A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Panama City vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Panama City or West Palm Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or West Palm Beach, 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Panama City and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or West Palm Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and West Palm Beach are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Panama City is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Panama City different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Panama City or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Panama City is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

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

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beache. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or West Palm Beach?

Panama City is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Panama City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach town. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Panama City and West Palm Beach are both very good 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.

West Palm Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Panama City or West Palm Beach Better for Students?

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

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or West Palm Beach?

Both Panama City and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Panama City or West Palm Beach?

The cosmopolitan destination of Panama City offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 West Palm Beach?

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach area 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 West Palm Beach?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant beach area of West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

The fun-filled beach town of Panama City offers shopping and nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach area.

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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than West Palm Beach. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Panama City is cooler than West Palm Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Panama City or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as West Palm Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

In the winter, Panama City is much colder than West Palm Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 65°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. In the winter, Panama City often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than West Palm Beach. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches.

In April, Panama City is generally cooler than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Panama City