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

Should you visit Panama City or Asheville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Asheville, 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 active, cosmopolitan, and fun-filled beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and beaches.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Panama City and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Asheville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Asheville than Panama City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Asheville is better known for its music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Panama City is more popular for its beaches. Panama City is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Panama City different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Asheville can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. 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.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Asheville 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 Asheville has something for everybody. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a great destination for its live music scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Asheville has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

You'll find some good live music in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, notable resorts can be found in both Panama City and Asheville.

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Panama City is well known for the beache. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Asheville?

Asheville is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Panama City does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Panama City does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Families?

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Asheville 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Couples?

Panama City and Asheville are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Asheville is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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

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

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Asheville Better for Students?

Panama City and Asheville are great 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 Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

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

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Panama City or Asheville a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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 Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Asheville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

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

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

One day in Panama City or Asheville?

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 live music when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Asheville?

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 live music and food when visiting the progressive destination of Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town 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 Asheville?

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 outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Asheville?

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Asheville, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Asheville.

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 Asheville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Asheville?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Asheville, 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 Asheville?

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 Panama City or Asheville in the Summer?

Both Asheville and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Panama City is around the same temperature as Asheville in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Asheville. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Asheville in the Autumn?

Both Asheville and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Panama City is a little warmer than Asheville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Asheville averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Asheville. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Asheville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Asheville. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Asheville fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Asheville. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Asheville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Asheville. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

Panama City is a little warmer than Asheville in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Asheville. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Panama City