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

Should you visit Panama City or Columbia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Columbia, 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Columbia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Panama City than Columbia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Panama City is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Columbia is more popular for its museums. Panama City is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Also, Panama City is famous for Pier Park. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Panama City different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Columbia is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Columbia?

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

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

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Families?

Panama City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly beach town. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Couples?

Panama City is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Panama City or Columbia Better for Students?

Panama City is a well-known place for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Is Panama City or Columbia 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 Columbia.

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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Panama City or Columbia a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Columbia are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Columbia is not a very walkable beach town. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Panama City or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Panama City than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

One day in Panama City or Columbia?

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the suburban destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The welcoming city of Columbia offers museums and nightlife. 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 Columbia?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbia. 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.

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

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Columbia. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Columbia. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Columbia. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

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

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbia. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Panama City