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

Should you visit Panama City or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Seattle, 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Panama City and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle. Although Panama City and Seattle are both popular with visitors, Seattle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its resorts and beaches. Panama City is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Panama City different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle 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 Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Panama City is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Panama City is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Seattle has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great destination for its live music scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Seattle has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

You'll find some good live music in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Resorts?

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

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Panama City is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Seattle?

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

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

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Families?

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

Seattle is a family-friendly beach town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Couples?

Panama City is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Seattle Better for Students?

Panama City and Seattle are superb places to visit for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Seattle?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Panama City or Seattle?

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a progressive city where you can fill many days. 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 Seattle?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Seattle is a outdoorsy big city where you can fill many days. 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 Seattle?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The progressive city of Seattle offers food and shopping. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Seattle. 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 comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Seattle, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the summer, Panama City is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Seattle. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Seattle. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

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 Seattle. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Seattle. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Panama City is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Panama City usually receives less rain than Seattle. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, 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 Seattle. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Panama City