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

Should you visit Panama City or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Chicago, 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Panama City and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago. Although Panama City and Chicago are both popular with visitors, Chicago has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chicago is more popular for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its resorts and beaches. Panama City is more touristy than Chicago and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Panama City different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Panama City or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Panama City is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Panama City is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago 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.

Chicago has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Chicago The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

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 Chicago Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its resorts. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a great destination for the beach. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Chicago?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago 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 Chicago. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Panama City or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Panama City does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Panama City does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Panama City or Chicago Better for Families?

Panama City and Chicago are both terrific destinations for the whole family.

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.

Chicago is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Is Panama City or Chicago Better for Couples?

Panama City is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Chicago 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 Chicago is top-notch. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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 Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Chicago?

In either Panama City or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Chicago because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Panama City or Chicago?

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Chicago is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. 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 Chicago?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Chicago is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This 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.

Five days in Panama City or Chicago?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. 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.

A week in Panama City or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Chicago. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Panama City is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Chicago. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Chicago. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. Panama City is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Chicago. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. 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 Chicago. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Panama City