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

Should you visit Panama City or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Colorado Springs, 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Colorado Springs are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Panama City different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Panama City is not a skiing destination.

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Panama City is not a skiing destination.

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

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for live music. However, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Colorado Springs draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Colorado Springs?

Panama City is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Panama City is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Panama City is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Panama City is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Panama City is a great destination for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

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

Panama City is a beach town with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Panama City or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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 Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Colorado Springs?

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

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Panama City or Colorado Springs?

You'll find live music and food around the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The healthy mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. 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 Colorado Springs?

Panama City is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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 Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs?

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 Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs 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 hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

Panama City is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Colorado Springs. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Colorado Springs. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Panama City