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

Should you visit Panama City or Roanoke?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Roanoke, 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Roanoke travel costs.

Panama City and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Roanoke?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Roanoke 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, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Panama City is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Panama City different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Roanoke offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Panama City is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Music?

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

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a great beach town for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Roanoke?

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

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

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Panama City or Roanoke More Beautiful?

Panama City is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Families?

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

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Panama City and Roanoke are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Roanoke is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Roanoke Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Panama City or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Roanoke is a 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Roanoke?

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

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

One day in Panama City or Roanoke?

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 shopping when visiting the outdoorsy town of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Roanoke?

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 outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This 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 Roanoke?

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 scenic town of Roanoke offers museums and nightlife. 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 Roanoke?

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 shopping when visiting Roanoke. 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 Roanoke, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Roanoke much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Roanoke would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Panama City is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Roanoke. 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 Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Roanoke. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. Panama City is much warmer than Roanoke in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In the spring, Panama City is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Roanoke averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Panama City