vs
Limais 39% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (61/10) vs Panama City "Fair" (48/10). Dorms avg $10/night vs $15/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Lima
🇵🇦 Panama City
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
★★★★★
16 hostels, avg 7.9 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $33/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $34/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.99, dorms avg $10
★★★★★
Coffee $4.03, dorms avg $15
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.38, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.93, 16 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
30 attractions
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Lima | 🇵🇦 Panama City | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $19 cheaper | $32 | $13/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $37 cheaper | $51 | $14/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $70 cheaper | $89 | $20/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Lima | 🇵🇦 Panama City |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.46 58% less | $10.60 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $14.88 35% less | $22.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.38 19% less | $2.93 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.99 26% less | $4.03 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.71 | $0.35 51% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪▼
Lima
Peru
61
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $10/night). Plenty to see (30 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBeraja Family Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels19
🇵🇦▼
Panama City
Panama
48
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $15/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelEden S Garden Hostal (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$15/night
Total hostels16
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Lima
🇵🇦 Panama City
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Lima & Panama City
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Lima
26°C
High
/
21°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 29mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇵🇦 Panama City
31°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇪 Lima
1. Fortaleza de CampoyFree
2. Arco de SalamancaFree
3. Circuito Mágico del AguaFree
4. El DinosaurioFree
5. Huaca La PalmaFree
🇵🇦 Panama City
1. Miraflores LocksFree
2. Miraflores Visitors CenterFree
3. Bolivar PalaceFree
4. Cabeza de EinsteinFree
5. CabildoFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Lima or Panama City cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Lima vs Panama City?+
Do I need a visa for Lima or Panama City?+
When is the best time to visit Lima or Panama City?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Lima and Panama City?+
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