A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Panama City vs. Calgary for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Panama City or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Calgary, 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. Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Panama City travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Panama City and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Calgary?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Panama City than Calgary, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Panama City is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Calgary is more popular for its museums and attractions. Panama City is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Also, Panama City is famous for Pier Park. Calgary is well known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Panama City different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Panama City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Music?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.

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.

Calgary is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Resorts?

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

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Panama City is well known for the beach. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Calgary?

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

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

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Panama City or Calgary More Beautiful?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Families?

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Couples?

Panama City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Calgary is a good beach town for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Calgary Better for Students?

Panama City is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with 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.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Calgary 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 Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail 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 Calgary a more walkable city?

Calgary is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Calgary is generally not very walkable. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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 Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Calgary?

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

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

One day in Panama City or Calgary?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Calgary. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Calgary?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calgary. 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 Calgary?

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 local city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. 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 Calgary?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Calgary. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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 Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Calgary, 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.