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

Should you visit Panama City or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Portland, 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Panama City and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Portland are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Portland attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Panama City is more touristy than Portland and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Panama City different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Portland is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Panama City or Portland.

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.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Portland 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.

Portland is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Portland is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Portland?

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

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

Portland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Families?

Panama City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Couples?

Panama City is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Portland Better for Students?

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Portland?

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

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

One day in Panama City or Portland?

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 live music when visiting the eclectic city of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

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 live music and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

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 progressive city of Portland offers shopping 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 Portland?

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

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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Portland. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the summer, Panama City often gets less sunshine than Portland. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Panama City is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Portland. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Portland. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Panama City usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Portland. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Portland. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Panama City