As of November 12, 2026, Panama is cheaper than Belize for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $101 in Panama against $123 in Belize, a gap of 21.6%. Over the past year Panama has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+1.9% after inflation, against +1.3%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2. Panama is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Belize | Panama |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $123 | $101 |
| Lean day | $57 | $46 |
| Comfortable day | $278 | $223 |
| Real change, 12 months | +1.3% | +1.9% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +1.0% | 0.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | +3.2% | +8.9% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.3 · Workable | 4.0 · Well set up |
| Index score | 53 | 62 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | May, Nov | May, Dec |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The second-longest barrier reef on earth, in an English-speaking country.
The catchPegged at two to the dollar and noticeably pricier than its neighbors. Belize City is best passed through quickly.
A skyline, a canal and two oceans, all in US dollars.
The catchDollarized, with capital-city prices close to US levels.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.