A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico, 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a mysterious, infamous, and quirky town. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Panama City and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Panama City than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Panama City is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Roswell, New Mexico is more popular for its museums. Panama City is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Also, Panama City is famous for Pier Park. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Panama City different from Roswell, New Mexico?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Roswell, New Mexico offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people stop in town specifically for the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It has a lot of information on the 1947 Roswell Crash and other supposed UFO incidents. Other museums in town include the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, the Roswell Museum, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Roswell, New Mexico can be difficult as they are each notable 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a good place to grab lunch as there are many casual restaurants that serve everything from burgers to tacos or other Mexican dishes.

Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Roswell, New Mexico. There's no real nightlife scene and many visitors stop over in route somewhere else.

Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Music?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a very popular place for the beache. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Roswell, New Mexico has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the typical suburban chains where you can pick up essentials or food while you're in town.


Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. 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 Roswell, New Mexico. Kids who enjoy a mystery will appreciate a visit to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. There's also the Spring River Park and Zoo which has native animals and a carousel.

Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's a bit outside the box as far as destinations go, so couples who enjoy the weird and quirky will enjoy a stop here.

Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Students?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.


Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Roswell, New Mexico.

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 Roswell, New Mexico. There are buses, but it's easier to have your own car.

Is Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Panama City
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Roswell, New Mexico is a somewhat walkable place. The historic district is compact and walkable.

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 Roswell, New Mexico Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Panama City than Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico.


  • How many days in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Roswell, New Mexico 1-2

One day in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the infamous town of Roswell, New Mexico. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Panama City for a weekend. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quirky destination of Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, five days is sufficent for most.

The quirky town of Roswell, New Mexico offers food and museums. 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

In Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this active destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This beach town offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Roswell, New Mexico. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico is $117. 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 Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico? 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 Roswell, New Mexico


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 Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Roswell, New Mexico $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico 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
    Roswell, New Mexico $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29


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

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 Roswell, New Mexico Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Roswell, New Mexico?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Roswell, New Mexico, 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.