Funny thing of the Panther: It was actually fairly cheap, with around 20% more costs, than the PzKpfW IV Ausf. H.
The Tiger on the other hand was just eating up money and ressources, easily costing twice as much as a Panther, while funnily enough, offered nothing spectacular. Even the 75mm gun of the Panther had higher penetration values. Panther had in addition agility, speed, and thanks to sloping, effective armor. It was over all, the better tank. Performance wise, and in terms of costs.