Which place is cheaper, Tucson 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Panama City or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Tucson, 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 Tucson?
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.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
-
Panama City Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPanama City $272Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPanama City $128Tucson $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPanama City $256Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Tucson? 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 and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Panama City $48Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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 dayPanama City $115Tucson $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Panama City $19Tucson $16
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: $120
- Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
- Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPanama City $56Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Tucson, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Panama City or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Tucson, 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.
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.