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

Should you visit Panama City or Nantucket?

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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nantucket travel costs.

Panama City and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Nantucket?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Panama City and Nantucket are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Panama City is more touristy than Nantucket and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Nantucket is famous for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Panama City different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Music?

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

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Both Panama City and Nantucket have excellent beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a great destination for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Nantucket?

Nantucket is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Panama City or Nantucket More Beautiful?

Nantucket is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Panama City is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly beach town. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Panama City is a great beach town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Panama City or Nantucket Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Nantucket is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

Nantucket 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 Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Nantucket. 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 Nantucket.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Panama City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nantucket, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Panama City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantucket that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

One day in Panama City or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the active 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.

Nantucket 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 island 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 Nantucket?

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.

Because Nantucket is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nantucket?

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.

Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Nantucket?

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

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Nantucket. The autumn months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

Panama City is much warmer than Nantucket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Nantucket. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Nantucket averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nantucket. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Panama City