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

Should you visit Panama City or Durango?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Durango, 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. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Panama City and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Durango?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Durango are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Durango attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Panama City is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Panama City different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Panama City is not a skiing destination.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Panama City is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for live music. However, Durango is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Durango is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Durango to see the old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Durango?

Panama City is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Panama City or Durango More Beautiful?

Panama City and Durango are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

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.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Families?

Panama City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. 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.

Durango is a very kid-friendly beach town. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Couples?

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

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Durango Better for Students?

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

Many students visit 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.

Durango is not popular with students.

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

Panama City is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Panama City or Durango a more walkable city?

Durango is a small town 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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 Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Durango?

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

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

One day in Panama City or Durango?

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.

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Durango?

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.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This small town 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 Durango?

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.

Because Durango is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Durango?

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.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Durango, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Durango much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durango would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durango 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 Durango.

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 Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Durango?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Durango, 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.