A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hot Springs vs. Panama City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hot Springs or Panama City?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs or Panama City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hot Springs or Panama City?

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Hot Springs?

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

  • Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Panama City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Panama City $272

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, 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 Hot Springs and Panama City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Panama City $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Panama City

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs


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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Panama City $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Panama City?

Prices for flights to both Panama City and Hot Springs 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
    Hot Springs $90
    Panama City $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hot Springs $30
    Panama City $19

Tours and Activities in Hot Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:

  • Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
  • Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $35
  • Panama City Beach: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Combo Ticket: $37
  • Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Trip by Catamaran: $38
  • Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Sunset Cruise with Good Jibez Only in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Panama City Beach: 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $44
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour: $49
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon : $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hot Springs $22
    Panama City $56


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hot Springs and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Hot Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hot Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hot Springs 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 Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City than you might in Hot Springs.

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


Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Panama City?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs 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.


When is the best time to visit Hot Springs or Panama City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hot Springs or Panama City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Panama City. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Panama City averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Panama City. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Panama City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Panama City. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hot Springs is generally cooler than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Panama City. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Panama City 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. Hot Springs is much colder than Panama City in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Panama City. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Panama City 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Hot Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In the spring, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Panama City averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Panama City. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Panama City 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Panama City and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Panama City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)