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

Should you visit Panama City or Detroit?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Detroit, 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. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Panama City travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a hardworking, overlooked , and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Panama City and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Detroit?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Detroit than Panama City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Detroit is better known for its museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Panama City is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Detroit is well known for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. Also, Detroit is famous for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Panama City different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Detroit can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

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.

Detroit is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Panama City or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Detroit 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 Detroit has something for everybody. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Panama City or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Detroit Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

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 Detroit Better for Resorts?

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

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Detroit?

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

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

Detroit has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Panama City or Detroit More Beautiful?

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

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Detroit Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Panama City or Detroit Better for Couples?

Panama City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Panama City or Detroit Better for Students?

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Detroit.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Panama City or Detroit a more walkable city?

Detroit 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Detroit?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Detroit. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Detroit. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Detroit.

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

One day in Panama City or Detroit?

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 food and shopping when visiting the overlooked city of Detroit. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Detroit?

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 under-rated destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

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 under-rated city of Detroit 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 Detroit?

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 live music when visiting Detroit. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

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

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 Detroit Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Detroit?

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

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 Detroit in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Detroit. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

Panama City is a little warmer than Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Detroit. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the summer, Panama City often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Detroit in the Autumn?

Both Detroit and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Panama City is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Detroit. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Detroit in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Detroit can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Detroit in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Detroit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Detroit for the activities around the city during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Detroit. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Panama City