A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key West vs. Panama City for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Key West or Panama City?

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

Should I visit Key West or Panama City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, bustling, and active town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Panama City

Panama City is a active, cosmopolitan, and fun-filled beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Key West and Panama City: Pros and Cons

How is Key West different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key West or Panama City Better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Key West and Panama City.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Key West. The town is known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Fried seafood is popular when eating out.

Is Key West or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are similar in both Key West and Panama City.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening.

Panama City has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Key West or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Key West and Panama City offer a relatively similar set of luxury resort options.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

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 Key West or Panama City Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Panama City are good choices.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. With miles of long white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, this areas beaches offer a beautiful escape.

Is Key West or Panama City Better for Shopping?

Both Key West and Panama City are good shopping destinations.

If you're looking to go shopping, Key West has some nice offerings. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Key West or Panama City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Panama City.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting here.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks.

Is Key West or Panama City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Panama City make for a good place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option.

Panama City is a good town for couples to visit. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Key West or Panama City Better for Public Transit?

Both Key West and Panama City offer public transit options.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

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 Key West or Panama City a more walkable city?

Key West is considered more walkable than Panama City.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Key West?

How long in Key West or Panama City?

Both Key West and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Key West is 5-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Panama City is 3-7 days.

One day in Key West or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling town of Key West. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the bustling destination of Key West. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the quaint town of Key West. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. 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. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Key West 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 Key West or Panama City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Panama City. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Key West is around the same temperature as Panama City in the summer. The temperature in Key West is usually 84°F (29°C) in July, and Panama City stays around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Panama City. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Panama City. Many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Key West is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October are around 80°F (27°C), and Panama City is about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Panama City. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Key West is generally much warmer than Panama City. Temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Panama City stays around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Panama City. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

Key West is a little warmer than Panama City in the spring. The temperature in Key West is usually 77°F (25°C) in April, and Panama City stays around 68°F (20°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 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 Key West