A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Arlington for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Panama City or Arlington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Arlington, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Arlington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Arlington are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is known for its museums and food. Panama City is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Panama City different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Arlington?

Arlington is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arlington. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Panama City or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Arlington has something for everybody. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Music?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Panama City active and fun. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Arlington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arlington and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Families?

Panama City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Couples?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Arlington is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Arlington Better for Students?

Panama City and Arlington are superb places to visit for students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

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

Arlington is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Arlington is top-notch. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Panama City or Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington 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.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Panama City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Arlington.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Arlington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Panama City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.

One day in Panama City or Arlington?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Panama City. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Arlington. 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.

A weekend in Panama City or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the active destination of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Arlington. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Arlington?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The international city of Arlington offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Arlington?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama City 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Panama City.

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Arlington, 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 Panama City or Arlington?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Panama City or Arlington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Arlington. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

In the summer, Panama City is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Arlington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arlington. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Arlington in the Autumn?

Both Arlington and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene.

In October, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Arlington. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. Panama City is much warmer than Arlington in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Arlington. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arlington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Arlington. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Arlington. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Panama City is a little warmer than Arlington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Arlington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Arlington during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Arlington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arlington. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arlington and Panama City