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

Should you visit Panama City or Park City Utah?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Park City Utah, 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 live music, food, and beaches.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a active, high energy, and adventurous town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Panama City and Park City Utah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Panama City or Park City Utah?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Panama City and Park City Utah are both popular with visitors, Park City Utah has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Park City Utah is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Panama City is known for its music and beaches. Panama City is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Park City Utah is popular for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Deer Valley Resort.

How is Panama City different from Park City Utah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Skiing?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for winter skiing. However, Panama City is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Park City Utah is among the best in the world. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Panama City is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Park City Utah?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Park City Utah. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

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 Park City Utah Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Park City Utah has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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 Park City Utah Better for Music?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Panama City is a good destination for its music scene. However, Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Park City Utah is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Park City Utah is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

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.

Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Panama City is great for the beach. However, Park City Utah is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful 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.

Park City Utah is not a beach destination.


Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Park City Utah. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Park City Utah?

Panama City
Park City Utah

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

Park City Utah is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls 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 Park City Utah Better for Families?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Panama City and Park City Utah are both world-class 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.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.


Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Couples?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Park City Utah has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Panama City
Park City Utah

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Park City Utah Better for Students?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Panama City is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Park City Utah is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Park City Utah is not popular with students.


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

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a great destination for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Park City Utah can get you around easily. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

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 Park City Utah a more walkable city?

Panama City
Park City Utah

Park City Utah is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Park City Utah on foot is easy. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore 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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Park City Utah or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Park City Utah?

In either Panama City or Park City Utah, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Panama City or Park City Utah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Park City Utah 3-5

One day in Panama City or Park City Utah?

In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the high energy town of Park City Utah. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Park City Utah?

Panama City is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Park City Utah. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Park City Utah?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous town of Park City Utah. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Park City Utah?

In Panama City, you'll find food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Park City Utah. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah is $320. 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 Park City Utah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Park City Utah $202
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Park City Utah $404
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Park City Utah

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Park City Utah? 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 Park City Utah


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 Park City Utah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Park City Utah $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $115
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $33
  • Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Park City Utah?

Prices for flights to both Park City Utah 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
    Park City Utah $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Park City Utah $68

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 Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $108
  • Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • 2 Hours Off Road Tour in Utah: $175
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Park City Utah $46


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


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Park City Utah?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Park City Utah, 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.