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

Should you visit Panama City or Dayton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Dayton, 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: Panama City or Dayton?

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.

Dayton

Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Dayton or Panama City?

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

  • Panama City Prices
    USA Prices
    Dayton Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Dayton $368

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Dayton is $368. 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 Panama City and Dayton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Dayton $250
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Dayton $500
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Dayton

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Dayton? 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 Panama City


Hotels in Dayton


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: Panama City Hotel Prices and Dayton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Dayton $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Dayton?

Prices for flights to both Dayton and Panama City 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
    Panama City $115
    Dayton $105

Typical Food Prices in Dayton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Dayton -

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

Tours and Activities in Dayton

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

  • Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Dayton -

Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton

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

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Dayton?

Dayton has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Dayton, 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 Panama City or Dayton?

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 Panama City or Dayton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Dayton. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is around the same temperature as Dayton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Dayton averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dayton during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Dayton. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Dayton 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Dayton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Dayton. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Dayton. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Dayton fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Dayton. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 188 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Dayton. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Dayton 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Dayton in the Winter?

Both Dayton and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Dayton can get quite cold in the winter. Panama City is much warmer than Dayton in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Dayton fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Dayton during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Dayton receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Dayton. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Dayton in the Spring?

Both Dayton and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Dayton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Dayton averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Dayton. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dayton receives 215 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Dayton. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Dayton receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Dayton 55°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Dayton and Panama City

Panama City Dayton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm)