A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. David for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amsterdam or David?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or David, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Amsterdam or David?

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

David

In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City.


Which place is cheaper, David or Amsterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €211, while the average daily cost in David is €33. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and David in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam 102
    David 11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam 204
    David 22
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and David

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or David? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Amsterdam


Hotels in David


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and David Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam 20
    David 10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    3.20
  • Renting a Bike
    15
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    10
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    2.60
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    3.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS) Transfer to Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Keukenhof: $35
  • Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
  • Private Transfer: Hotel in Amsterdam to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $40
  • From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer (Airport to Amsterdam Hotel or Address): $41
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
  • Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
  • Private Airport Transfer Amsterdam Airport to or from Amsterdam: $55
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport AMS: $57
  • Amsterdam local transfers: $59
  • Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or David?

Prices for flights to both David and Amsterdam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amsterdam 80
    David 15
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $3.58
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Amsterdam Guided Cruise with New York Pizza, Drinks and Ice Cream: $45
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $93
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $102
  • Anne Frank and the Jewish Quarter Food Tour: $108
  • Discover Amsterdam's Culinary Scene: Morning Food Tour: $117
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam 37
    David 3.73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    6.00
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    17

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.57
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.57
  • Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.58
  • Self Guided Space Tourist Exploration of Amsterdam's Cosmic Side: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $5.97
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • An Amsterdam Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Origins: $8.99
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Dutch Experience in Volendam with Traditional Outfits : $11
  • Self-Guided Interactive Walking Tour Jordaan : $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam 24
    David -

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $24
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
  • Red Light Halloween Pub Crawl: $42
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and David, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is David much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and David is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to David would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in David and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in David.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is David Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or David?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of David. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and David, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.