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

Should you visit Panama City or Denver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Denver, 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 shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Panama City travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Denver travel costs.

Panama City and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Panama City or Denver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Denver than Panama City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Denver is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and big city activities, while Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Denver and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. Also, Denver is famous for Red Rocks Park.

How is Panama City different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Panama City or Denver Better for Skiing?

Panama City
Denver

Denver is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Panama City is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Panama City is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Denver?

Panama City
Denver

Denver is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Panama City or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.


Is Panama City or Denver Better for Music?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Denver is not a live music destination.

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

Denver is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Denver Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Denver

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

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Denver Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

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.

Denver is not a beach destination.


Is Panama City or Denver Better for Hiking?

Panama City
Denver

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

Denver has hiking trails worth exploring. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Denver?

Panama City
Denver

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

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

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Panama City or Denver More Beautiful?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Panama City or Denver Better for Families?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver 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.

Denver is a family-friendly beach town. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Panama City or Denver Better for Couples?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Denver is a good beach town for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Panama City or Denver Better for Students?

Panama City
Denver

Panama City is a well-known place for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.


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

Panama City
Denver

Denver 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 Denver, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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 Denver a more walkable city?

Panama City
Denver

Neither Panama City or Denver are walkable places.

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

Denver is not a very walkable beach town. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Denver?

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

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


  • How many days in Panama City or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Panama City or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Panama City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the accessible city of Denver. 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 Denver?

Panama City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the sprawling destination of Denver. 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 Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The sprawling city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. 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 Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Panama City. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting Denver. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Panama City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Panama City Prices
    USA Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Denver? 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 Denver


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 Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $144
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $276
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $273
  • Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver 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 $115
    Denver $73

Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Panama City

Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
  • Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $35
  • Panama City Beach: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Combo Ticket: $37
  • Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Trip by Catamaran: $38
  • Sunset Cruise with Good Jibez Only in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Panama City Beach: 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $44
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour: $49
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon : $54

Tours and Activities in Denver

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:

  • $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
  • Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
  • Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
  • Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15
  • General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Denver, 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 Denver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Denver, 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.