A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Panama City for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Panama City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Panama City are both popular with visitors, Playa del Carmen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Panama City is known for its music. Playa del Carmen is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Panama City is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Panama City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Panama City can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beache. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Panama City and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Panama City.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Couples?

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

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Panama City is a great 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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Panama City is not a very walkable town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Panama City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Both Playa del Carmen and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Panama City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning town of Playa del Carmen. 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.

You'll find live music and food around the active destination of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Playa del Carmen. 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.

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. 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. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Panama City is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Panama City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Panama City, 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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City?

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 Playa del Carmen or Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Panama City. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Panama City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Panama City. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Panama City. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Panama City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Panama City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Panama City. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Panama City. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Panama City. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Playa del Carmen