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

Should you visit Panama City or Fairbanks?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Fairbanks, 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 cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Panama City travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Panama City and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and beaches, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Panama City different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Panama City is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Panama City is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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 Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for its music scene. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

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.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Fairbanks?

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

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

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Panama City is an amazing beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Panama City is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

Fairbanks is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Fairbanks is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks 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, Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Panama City or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Panama City or Fairbanks are walkable places.

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

Fairbanks is not a very walkable beach town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Panama City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

One day in Panama City or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Panama City. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique city of Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the Arctic destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The Arctic city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. 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 Fairbanks?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama City 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Panama City.

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 Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Fairbanks?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Panama City is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In October, Panama City is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. Panama City is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Fairbanks. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the spring, Panama City is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Panama City