Panama City Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

Panama City is gaining a lot of traction with travelers as a cheaper alternative to Costa Rica that offers much more history and culture in addition to a tropical setting. It’s true that costs are generally lower than in Costa Rica, but that may not last much longer if this surge in popularity continues.

Panama City City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Panama City

Population 820,000
Area 1,200,000
Timezone UTC-5
Currency US dollar
Airports Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$47
1 USD = 1 USD
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Panama City

Panama City Hotel Seasons

Panama City Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar17.00 - 44.00
starstarstarstarstar50.00 - 66.00
starstarstarstarstar66.00 - 117.00
starstarstarstarstar75.00 - 178.00
starstarstarstarstar175.00 - 229.00

Panama City Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed10.00 - 14.00

Panama City Attractions Prices

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Panama Canal MuseumThis popular museum tells the fascinating story of the canal in Spanish only.
adults
children
20.00
10.00
Panama Canal Visitors CenterThe Miraflores Visitors' Center complex offers the best views and information about how things work today. Morning time is when most of the ships and boats pass through.
adults
20.00

Panama City Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastIf your hotel doesn't include breakfast you can find cheap cafes and sandwich shops easily.2.00 - 5.00
Budget lunchThe fish market area is an experience and a great place for a cheap freshly-caught lunch.4.00 - 7.00
Budget dinnerAssuming you want a proper sit-down meal, avoid tourist places with English menus for the best deals.7.00 - 11.00
Beer (.33l bottle)Cold bottles of local lager are everywhere, cheap at the fish market and more expensive in real bars.1.00 - 3.00

Panama City Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center25.00 - 30.00
Public bus from airport to city center1.00
3km taxi ride in Panama City1.00 - 5.00
Public bus ride in Panama City0.00
Taxi from city center to Canal Zone5.00 - 10.00
Metro ride in Panama City0.00 - 2.00
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When to visit Panama City

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January89761.9
February90761.0
March90770.4
April89782.5
May87789.4
June86777.1
July87777.8
August86778.5
September86767.9
October857612.0
November867610.6
December87765.9

Panama City Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:22am6:29pm
21 Jun6:00am6:39pm
21 Sep6:07am6:15pm
21 Dec6:28am6:04pm

Where to go before and after