Which place is cheaper, Panama City or Negril?
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 Negril or Panama City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Negril and Panama City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Negril or Panama City?
Negril
Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!
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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Negril Prices
Jamaica PricesPanama City Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $150Panama City $272
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $150, 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 Negril and Panama City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $102Panama City $128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $204Panama City $256
Compare Hotels in Negril and Panama City
Looking for a hotel in Negril 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: Negril Hotel Prices and Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.39Panama City $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer To Negril: $60
- Azul Sensatori Jamaica Airport Transfers: $90
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Grand Palladium Transfer 1 Way: $23
- Convenient Airport Transfer To Hotels in Negril : $75
- Exclusive Tours and Airport Transfers from (MBJ) To Negril : $50
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer: $37
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $45
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfer : $40
- Grand Palladium Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $200
- Grand Palladium Jamaica & Lady Hamilton MBj Airport Transfer: $60
- Grand Palladium Jamaica - Lady Hamilton Airport Transfer MBJ ***: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Panama City?
Prices for flights to both Panama City and Negril 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 dayNegril $38Panama City $115
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner in the Sky Jamaica Round Trip Taxi & Guide only: $42
- The Jungle Nightclub Experience with Optional Dinner in Negril: $80
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Cultural Food Tour & Seven Mile Beach At Negril’s Margaritaville: $150
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $26Panama City $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$42
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- Rockland's Bird Sanctuary Tour from Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $56
- Negril Beach Experience & Rick's Cafe from Negril: $59
- Buddle's Taxi and Tours : $60
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise : $60
- Private Negril Beach Experience and Rick's Cafe from Negril: $60
- Negril Glass Bottom Boat Tour Snorkeling and Booby Cay: $65
- Negril Country Side Tour & Rick's Cafe : $82
- Off-road ATV Adventure with Wall Climbing: $85
- PARTY Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling Rick's Cafe ADULTS ONLY: $88
- NEGRIL CRUISE Sunset Ricks Cafe Adults only ALL HOTELS : $89
- Rick's Cafe Sunset Cruise and Snorkelling: $90
- Family Catamaran Cruise from Jamwest Beach Negril Hotels: $90
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $9.74Panama City $56
Sample the Local Flavors in Negril
Also in Negril, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Negril One Love Bus Bar Crawl: $26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Negril much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril 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 Negril would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Negril 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 Negril.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Negril Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Panama City?
Panama City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril 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 Negril or Panama City?
Panama City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Negril experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Negril or Panama City in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Negril as well as Panama City. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Negril is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the summer, Negril often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Panama City. Negril receives a lot of rain in the summer. Negril usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Panama City. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Panama City 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Negril or Panama City in the Autumn?
Both Panama City and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Negril is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Negril in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Panama City averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during autumn. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Negril. In October, Negril usually receives more rain than Panama City. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Panama City 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Negril or Panama City in the Winter?
Both Panama City and Negril during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.
In January, Negril is generally much warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 25°C (77°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the winter, Negril often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.
Negril usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Panama City 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Negril or Panama City in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Panama City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Negril is a little warmer than Panama City in the spring. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during spring. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.
Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Negril usually receives more rain than Panama City. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Panama City 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for Panama City and Negril
| Negril | Panama City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.3 inches (184 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 7.5 inches (192 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 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.