Panama Cityis 8% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (48/10) vs Guadalajara "Fair" (43/10). Dorms avg $12/night vs $15/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Guadalajara
🇵🇦 Panama City
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★16 hostels, avg 8.0 rating
★★★★★16 hostels, avg 7.9 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $36/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $34/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $3.80, dorms avg $12
★★★★★Coffee $4.03, dorms avg $15
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.92, 16 hostels
★★★★★Beer $2.93, 16 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Guadalajara | 🇵🇦 Panama City | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $35 | $32 cheaper | $3/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $53 | $51 cheaper | $2/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $84 cheaper | $89 | $5/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Guadalajara | 🇵🇦 Panama City |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.67 | $10.60 9% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $22.62 1% less | $22.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.92 | $2.93 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.80 6% less | $4.03 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.58 | $0.35 40% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽43
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $12/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelCasa Irake (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels16
🇵🇦48
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $15/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelEden S Garden Hostal (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$15/night
Total hostels16
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Guadalajara
🇵🇦 Panama City
City to City
Getting Between Guadalajara & Panama City
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Guadalajara
🌧 Rainfall: 4mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct
🇵🇦 Panama City
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Guadalajara
No attraction data
🇵🇦 Panama City
1. Miraflores LocksFree
2. Miraflores Visitors CenterFree
3. Bolivar PalaceFree
4. Cabeza de EinsteinFree
5. CabildoFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Guadalajara or Panama City cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Guadalajara vs Panama City?+
Do I need a visa for Guadalajara or Panama City?+
When is the best time to visit Guadalajara or Panama City?+
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