A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Families, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Panama City or Atlantic City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Atlantic City, 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 fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and beaches.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Panama City and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Atlantic City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Atlantic City are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its music, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and resorts. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Atlantic City is famous for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality

How is Panama City different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Atlantic City can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Atlantic City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for live music. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

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 Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is well known for its beaches. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Atlantic City?

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

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

Atlantic City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Panama City is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Panama City is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Atlantic City Better for Students?

Panama City is well known for students. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place 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.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Atlantic City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Atlantic City. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

One day in Panama City or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun-filled destination of Panama City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The colorful city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the beach town of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Atlantic City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Atlantic City, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic 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 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 Atlantic 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 Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Atlantic City?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Atlantic 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 Panama City or Atlantic 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 Panama City or Atlantic City in the Summer?

Both Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than Atlantic City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Atlantic City. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Atlantic City. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Atlantic City in the Winter?

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

The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Atlantic City. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Atlantic City in the Spring?

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

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Atlantic City. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Panama City