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

Should you visit Panama City or Halifax?

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

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

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Panama City and Halifax: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Panama City or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Halifax are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Panama City is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Panama City different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Halifax

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

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Halifax

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Halifax can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Halifax is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Halifax

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Music?

Panama City
Halifax

Panama City is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Halifax

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

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Halifax

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Halifax 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.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Halifax?

Panama City
Halifax

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

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

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.


Is Panama City or Halifax More Beautiful?

Panama City
Halifax

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Families?

Panama City
Halifax

Panama City is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax 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 Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Couples?

Panama City
Halifax

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

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.


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

Panama City
Halifax

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Halifax Better for Students?

Panama City
Halifax

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

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Halifax

Halifax 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 Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

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 Halifax a more walkable city?

Panama City
Halifax

Halifax 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.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Halifax?

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

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


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

One day in Panama City or Halifax?

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 food when visiting the cultural city of Halifax. 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 Halifax?

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 food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Halifax. 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 Halifax?

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 cultural city of Halifax offers shopping and museums. 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 Halifax?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Halifax. 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 G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Halifax 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
    Halifax Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Halifax $137

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $137. 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 Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Halifax $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Halifax $130
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Halifax? 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 Halifax


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 Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Halifax $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

Also for Halifax, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax 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
    Halifax $54

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

For Halifax, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Halifax $28

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience: $55
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island: $70
  • 2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour: $149
  • 2 Hours Shell Island Jet Ski Tour: $159
  • 3 Hour Tiki Boat Adventure: $55
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Adventure Tour to Shell Island on the Privateer Catamaran: $65
  • Cruisin Tikis Shell Island Big Kahuna Beach and Snorkel Cruise: $70
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $130
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar: $80

Tours and Activities in Halifax

For Halifax, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • Georges Island National Historic Site Ferry Ticket: $16
  • Happy Hour Cruise with Live Music: $21
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Multiple Options: $29
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40
  • Party Cruise on the Harbour Queen: $42
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Tall Ship Harbor Sailing Cruise with Live Music: $42
  • Harbour Hopper City & Water Cruise in a Duck Boat: $56
  • Signature Adventure Sail: $56
  • Solar Waterfront Food/Drink Party Bike Experience: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Halifax $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168
  • The Classic Vintage Car Wine Tour: $206


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

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 Halifax Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Halifax?

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

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 Halifax in the Summer?

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

In July, Panama City is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the summer, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Halifax. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax 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 Halifax for the shopping scene.

Panama City is much warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than Halifax. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax 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 Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Panama City usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Halifax. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Halifax. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Panama City

Panama City Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)