Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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.
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Should you visit Panama City or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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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Panama City Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPanama City $272Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPanama City $128Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPanama City $256Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Saint Thomas? 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: Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Panama City $48Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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
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Food Meals for one dayPanama City $115Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Panama City $19Saint Thomas $60
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
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPanama City $56Saint Thomas $27
When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Saint Thomas, we can see that Panama City 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 Panama City is in North America and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Panama City Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Panama City or Saint Thomas?
Panama City has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Panama City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Panama City or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPanama City 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Panama City or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Panama City is cooler than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPanama City 71°F (22°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Panama City or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Saint Thomas. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the winter, Panama City is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Panama City often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPanama City 52°F (11°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Panama City or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Panama City is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPanama City 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Panama City
| Panama City | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 61°F (16°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.3 inches (184 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.5 inches (192 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
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.