If you're wondering how much it costs to visit Panama City, this travel cost guide can help you plan with confidence. Our Panama City trip cost calculator uses real travel cost data from thousands of previous visitors, including average hotel prices, food and dining costs, sightseeing and entertainment expenses, and transportation details. Panama City is a cosmopolitan beach town known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather, all of which have their own costs you should know about ahead of time. Whether you're enjoying the nightlife or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Panama City that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Panama City?
A typical traveler spends $272 per day on a trip to Panama City. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Panama City based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $115 on meals
- $48 on local transportation
- $257 on hotels
A one-week trip to Panama City for two people costs, on average, $3,808. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Panama City expensive to visit?
In Panama City, budget travelers spend $119 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $272 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $520 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Panama City.
Panama City is a popular beach town among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Panama City can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Panama City is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Denver or Phoenix.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Panama City Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Panama City?
The average Panama City trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Panama City travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Panama City cost?
Panama City on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$57
|
$128
|
$239
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$20
|
$48
|
$105
|
|
Food2
|
$50
|
$115
|
$220
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$8.13
|
$19
|
$35
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$12-37
|
$28-84
|
$54-161
|
Accommodation Budget in Panama City
The hotel prices in Panama City might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $148, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $276. Prices vary from $105 to $784, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Panama City for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $257. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $128 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Panama City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Panama City include:
- Wingate by Wyndham Panama City Area Lynn Haven starting at $170
If you're headed to Panama City with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
Many people spend up to a week in Panama City. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Panama City
In Panama City, the public transit system is not very good. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.
Regrettably, the beach town lacks walkability. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $48 per person, per day, on local transportation in Panama City. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Panama City is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$48
Though friendly to pedestrians, you may find that you want some wheels under you as you explore this city. Panama City offers a reasonably priced trolley system that has scheduled route through unique neighborhoods and regions. One can easily purchase a day pass at Bay Town Trolley office who is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The trolley itself runs from 6 AM to 8 PM. Besides the trolley, Panama City also offers rental cars, taxis, and segways to ensure you explore the lengths of this bayside town.
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Panama City? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Panama City will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Panama City
While the food in Panama City is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the beach town. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Panama City can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Panama City is $115 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$115
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Panama City is around $115 ($115) per person, with previous travelers spending from $50 to $220. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Panama City are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $34
- Lunch: $17 to $46
- Dinner: $34 to $80
- Coffee: $9
- Fast Food or Street Food: $17
If admiring the scenic ocean beauty of Panama City is not enough for you, why not taste this paradise by visiting one of its local restaurants? Hunt's Oyster Bar is located right on the shores of Panama City, offering local and fresh seafood for all its patrons. The menu offers a hefty selection of seafood delicacies, including red snapper, mahi-mahi, oysters, shrimp, snow crab, and clam strips. Keep it casual at Hunt's and prop your sandy feet up to enjoy the beach paradise that is Panama City.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Panama City
Visitors find Panama City irresistible, especially for its family-friendly activities, nightlife, beaches, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Panama City typically cost an average of $19 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
Enjoy one of the top reasons travelers from across the globe stop in this tropical city: the beach. St. Andrews State Park offers one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Originally a military reservation, these pristine beaches are now open to the general public for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, and much more. Fishing hobbyists will find that St. Andrews provides all amenities needed for a great fishing venture, including two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp. For nature-lovers, St. Andrews also offers two hiking trails where one can find a sense of serenity when immersed in the Floridian wilderness. If you love St. Andrews so heartily, the park offers camping grounds for both tent campers and RVers. If you thought that wasn't enough, St. Andrews compliments all its oceanic features with concessions for snacks, souvenirs and fishing amenities.
If you are looking to shop until you drop, take a stop at Panama City's largest mall, Pier Park. With over 124 stores, you will find your shopping possibilities to be nearly endless. Among these stores include Target, Forever 21, Dillards, JCPenneys and Marshalls. Pierk Park also contains a wide variety of restaurants including Dave and Buster's, Dick's Last Resort, Hana Japan, and Hofbrau Beer Garden. What's more, Pier Park boasts a variety of live entertainment, such as the dueling pianos at Rum Runners Tropical Grill or live music at Tootsies. If you find yourself getting tired from all that shopping, an IMAX Theater is located within Pier Park, where you can unwind with a tub of popcorn and Coca-cola.
If you find St. Andrews' trail and camping ground to not be satisfactory for your adventurous palate, interact with marine wildlife at Gulf World Marine Park. Meet and greet with the local dolphins of Panama City, all while learning about these intelligent, fun-loving creatures as well as other marine life like manatees and sea lions. With 24 parks worldwide, Gulf World seeks to educate and fascinate visitors of all ages about the astounding wonders beneath the sea. At Gulf World, you also have an opportunity to do more than just swim with the dolphins! From riding on their bellies to receiving their hugs and kisses, a remarkable, unforgettable experience is bound to occur at Gulf World. The park opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 4 PM, with exception to holidays.
Nevertheless, you might want to cool off after being under the Florida sun for so long. Relax and have fun at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Founded in 1983, Shipwreck Island is fulled with waterslides, pools, rivers, and parks, so you can make the most out of the tropical paradise that is Panama City. The twenty-acre park features lush landscaping, a professionally trained aquatics staff, and concessions for food and drink from cheesy pizza to delicious soft-serve. Be sure to get there early in order to fully enjoy this amazing park!
Beaches:
Plenty of travelers choose Panama City as their beach retreat. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.
A nice way to explore destinations in Panama City is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Shell Island Snorkel And dolphin sightseeing for $48 details
- St. Andrews State Park Sunset Dolphin Cruise for $33 details
- 2 Hour (shared) Dolphin Tour Adventure to Shell Island for $71 details
Nightlife Budget in Panama City
The nightlife experience in Panama City is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $56 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Panama City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$56
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: May 6, 2026
Traveling in Panama City
Panama City Beach, Florida
As the tropical breeze kisses your face amidst the never-ending rows of palm trees and high-rise beach condos, you find both pleasure and peace in this popular beach vacation spot. Such a city could be no place else than Panama City, Florida, located on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. The entire region is known for it's calm beach with white sand, blue water, and spring break and summer vacation fun. Panama City offers a multitude of hotels, parks, beaches, and restaurants to make it a prime destination to both party and relax. However, as you explore the city, you will find that Panama City acquires its own diverse, vibrant character unique to other beach towns. Bring out the fishing rods and boogie boards and take advantage of one of Florida's most popular destinations! It's a great destination for families, kids, younger travelers, singles, couples, and retirees alike.
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Panama City, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $119 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Panama City will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $272 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $520 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the beach town with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island - offered by Viator.
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.
