Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kingston or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Panama City, 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: Kingston or Panama City?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesPanama City Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Panama City $272
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, 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 Kingston and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Panama City $128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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.
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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Panama City $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180
- Airport MBJ Round Trip Transfer to Ocho Rios Airbnb Home, Resorts: $133
- Airport Transfers from Kingston.: $70
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Negril: $79
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
- Airport transfers One Way to all hotels - private: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Kingston 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
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Food Meals for one dayKingston $44Panama City $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Panama City $19
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
- Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
- Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69
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
- Sunset Cruise with Good Jibez Only in Panama City Beach: $40
- Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Panama City $56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Panama City is in North 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 Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Panama City?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Kingston 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 Kingston or Panama City?
Panama City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kingston or Panama City in the Summer?
Both Panama City and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.
In July, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Panama City. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 29°C (83°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Panama City. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Panama City 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Panama City in the Autumn?
Both Panama City and Kingston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Kingston is a little warmer than Panama City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the autumn, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Panama City. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Panama City 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Panama City in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Panama City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Kingston is much warmer than Panama City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kingston in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Panama City averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Panama City. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Panama City 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Panama City in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Panama City. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Kingston is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (80°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the spring, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Panama City 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Panama City and Kingston
| Kingston | Panama City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.3 inches (184 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.5 inches (192 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.