Is Panama expensive to visit?
Panama is not only a popular destination, but it is also fairly affordable. Compared to the rest of Central America, it is a moderately priced country to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of countries in Central America for its travel costs, and is comparable to destinations such as Nicaragua and Belize.
Panama is not as popular with tourists as other countries, but you'll find a nice selection of destinations at a range of prices. Bocas del Toro is one of the most expensive places to visit. However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, you can check out Pedasi.
Average daily price of selected cities in Panama, by affordability
City | Average Daily Cost |
---|---|
Panama City | $101 |
Bocas del Toro | $96 |
Boquete | $67 |
Pedasi | $51 |
David | $39 |

Panama City, Panama
How expensive is Panama?
On average, visitors spend about $93 per day during their visit to Panama (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Panama here.
How expensive is a one week trip to Panama?
Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Panama costs around $653 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,307.
How expensive is a two week trip to Panama?
Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to Panama will cost around $1,307 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $2,613.
How expensive is a month long trip to Panama?
On average, a one month trip to Panama costs about $2,800 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $5,600.

Pedasi, Panama
Is it expensive to backpack in Panama?
Panama is a popular backpacker destination with more than 60 hostels around the country. Hostels cost, on average, $15 per night for a dorm. (See hostel prices in Panama here.) In particular, many backpackers head to Panama City and Bocas del Toro. You'll find the most expensive hostels in Bocas del Toro, which average $17 a night. The cheapest hostels are in David which average $11 per night.
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Panama.
- $10 for a dorm bed at Hostal Casa Areka in Panama City
- $34 for a dorm bed at Bambuda Lodge in Bocas del Toro
- $24 for a dorm bed at Bambuda Castle in Boquete
Where to find affordable hostels in Panama
City | Number of Hostels | Average Price for a Dorm |
---|---|---|
Panama City | 22 | $15 |
Bocas del Toro | 17 | $17 |
Boquete | 10 | $15 |
David | 5 | $11 |
Are hotels expensive in Panama?
When analyzing the price of hotels in Panama, they're slightly more affordable compared to the rest of the world. The average price is $85 per night for a decent hotel room. Keep in mind that places like Boquete are more expensive, averaging around $122 per night. But fear not, there are budget-friendly destinations like David where you can book a room for an average of $64 per night.
Where to find affordable hotels in Panama
City | Average Hotel Price |
---|---|
Boquete | $122 |
Pedasi | $101 |
Bocas del Toro | $84 |
Panama City | $66 |
David | $64 |

Bocas del Toro, Panama
How expensive are sightseeing activities in Panama?
Activities and things to do in Panama can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $28 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.
- 6-Hour Culture and Nature Tour in Embera Tribe - All Included: $155
- All Inclusive Sunset Panama Bay Catamaran Tour From Panama City: $55
- Panama Private or Shared City Day End Tour : $70
- Hiking Experience in Caldera Transportation Included: $85
- Panama Private or Shared City Tour & Canal Visit: $73
- Coast to Coast: Panama Canal Full Day Tour Overland: $160
- Dirtbike adventure in Boquete (half day): $165
- Coffee & Tea Experience + Photoshoot in Bohemian El Cangrejo: $60
Is food expensive in Panama?
Food in Panama can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $37 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.
- The Real Panamanian Private Food Tour through Panama City: $200
- 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience: $85
- 3.5 -hour Afropanamanian Cooking Experience in Panama: $70
- Panama City FOOD Tour: $65
- Street Food Tour in Panama with a Local Guide: $255
- Folkloric Dance & Typical Dinner at Sabroso Panamá: $115

Isla Diablo, Panama
Is transportation expensive in Panama?
Local transportation in Panama can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $11 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.
Intercity transportation in Panama can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $21 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.
More for Panama
If you're planning a trip to Panama, check out these other informative travel guides.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.