A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Freeport vs. Panama City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Freeport or Panama City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Freeport and Panama City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Freeport or Panama City?

Freeport

When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.

This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.

Panama City

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Freeport?

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

  • Freeport Prices
    Bahamas Prices
    Panama City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Freeport $290
    Panama City $272

The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $290, while the average daily cost in Panama City is $272. 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 Freeport and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Freeport $141
    Panama City $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Freeport $282
    Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Freeport or Panama City? 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 Freeport


Hotels in Panama City


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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Freeport $59
    Panama City $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport

Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $78
  • Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay -Round-Trip Transfer: $155
  • Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $155
  • Luxury SUV Transfer from Airport, cruise port, Celebration Key : $133
  • Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $78
  • Private One way Airport Transfer in Freeport : $180
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $183
  • Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $255
  • Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $68
  • Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Freeport 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
    Freeport $110
    Panama City $115

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Freeport $40
    Panama City $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport

For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 10 Dive Package
    $299
  • 4 Hr. Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Freeport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.

  • Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
  • Swim with the Pigs Freeport @Creative Eco Adventures: $72
  • Mamma Gal Celeb-Key Shared Tour: $75
  • Mamma Gal Native Experience : $80
  • Grand Bahama Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks: $89
  • Rumbo Tour : $90
  • Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $95
  • Go Kart Adventure Caves Pirates Beaches: $109
  • Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
  • Clear Kayak Tour: $120
  • CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
  • Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $126

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience: $55
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island: $70
  • 2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour: $149
  • 2 Hours Shell Island Jet Ski Tour: $159
  • 3 Hour Tiki Boat Adventure: $55
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Adventure Tour to Shell Island on the Privateer Catamaran: $65
  • Cruisin Tikis Shell Island Big Kahuna Beach and Snorkel Cruise: $70
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $130
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Freeport $30
    Panama City $56

Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:

  • Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $85


When comparing the travel costs between Freeport and Panama City, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Freeport is in Caribbean Islands and Panama City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Freeport or Panama City?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Freeport. When comparing the sizes of Freeport and Panama City, 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.