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

Should you visit Panama City or Lancaster?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Lancaster, 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Panama City and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Lancaster?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Lancaster are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and beaches, while Lancaster is known for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Lancaster is popular for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Panama City different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Lancaster is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Panama City or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Panama City or Lancaster Better for Music?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Lancaster is not a live music destination.

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

Lancaster is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a great beach town for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Lancaster?

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

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Panama City is an amazing beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Panama City or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Panama City and Lancaster are both superb to visit as a couple.

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.

Lancaster is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Panama City or Lancaster Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Panama City or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Lancaster is a 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires 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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Lancaster?

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

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

One day in Panama City or Lancaster?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Panama City. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque town of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Lancaster. 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 Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled beach town of Panama City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The scenic town of Lancaster offers museums and food. 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 Lancaster?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Lancaster. 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 Lancaster, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Panama City or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

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

In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Lancaster. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Lancaster in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Lancaster. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Lancaster. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. Panama City is much warmer than Lancaster in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Lancaster. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Lancaster in the Spring?

Both Lancaster and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Lancaster averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Panama City