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

Should you visit Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Cody, Wyoming, 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a fascinating, activity-filled, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Panama City and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although Panama City and Cody, Wyoming are popular destinations, Cody, Wyoming has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cody, Wyoming is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Cody, Wyoming and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Cody, Wyoming is famous for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also well known for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Panama City different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cody, Wyoming has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Music?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is very good for live music. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Cody, Wyoming is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Cody, Wyoming to see the old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.


Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

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

Cody, Wyoming is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

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 Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a very kid-friendly beach town. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.


Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming Better for Students?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cody, Wyoming is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Cody, Wyoming is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Panama City is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.


Is Panama City or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Panama City
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require 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 Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming.


  • How many days in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

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.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

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.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled 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.

Because Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

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.

Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Panama City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $224, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $157. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Panama City and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Cody, Wyoming? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Panama City


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Panama City Hotel Prices and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Panama City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Panama City $66
    Cody, Wyoming $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures: $73
  • 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Shell Island: $65
  • 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
  • Beach Sunset and Lagoon Skyline Tour: $70
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos: $129
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour with Videos-PCB: $129
  • Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach: $60
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $110
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • All-Inclusive YNP Lower Loop Tour for 55+Seniors P/U in Cody Wy : $189
  • All-Inclusive Yellowstone”The Volcano” *FAMILY FRIENDLY* Tour: $259
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Yellowstone Nat'l Park Full Day Tour From Cody, WY : $275
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Cody, Wyoming $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Cody, Wyoming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cody, Wyoming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming.

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 Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Cody, Wyoming?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Cody, Wyoming, 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.