A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Panama City for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Panama City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and beaches.

Fort Lauderdale and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Panama City are popular destinations, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Panama City attracts visitors for its music. Fort Lauderdale is famous for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Panama City and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Panama City offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Panama City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Panama City has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beache. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Panama City and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Panama City is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Panama City.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Panama City a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Panama City is not a very walkable coastal city. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Panama City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Panama City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Panama City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Panama City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The active destination of Panama City offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Panama City is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

The active beach town of Panama City offers shopping and nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Panama City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Fort Lauderdale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fort Lauderdale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Panama City, 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.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Panama City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Panama City averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Panama City. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 78°F (26°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Panama City. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Panama City. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Panama City in the winter. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Panama City. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Panama City. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Panama City averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Panama City. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Fort Lauderdale