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

Should you visit Panama City or Saskatoon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Saskatoon, 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 active, cosmopolitan, and fun-filled beach town. Panama City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Saskatoon

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

Panama City and Saskatoon: 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 Saskatoon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Panama City than Saskatoon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Panama City is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon is more popular for its museums and attractions. Panama City is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Also, Panama City is famous for Pier Park. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Panama City different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Saskatoon

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

Saskatoon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Saskatoon

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

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Panama City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Music?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Saskatoon

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

With a selection of resorts, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is a well-known place for the beach. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Saskatoon?

Panama City
Saskatoon

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

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

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.


Is Panama City or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly beach town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Saskatoon is a good beach town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.


Is Panama City or Saskatoon Better for Students?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Panama City is a well-known place for students. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Saskatoon

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Saskatoon.

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 Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Panama City or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Panama City
Saskatoon

Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is walkable and 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 Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Saskatoon?

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

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


  • How many days in Panama City or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Panama City or Saskatoon?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Saskatoon. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Saskatoon?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon?

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 authentic city of Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

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 nightlife when visiting Saskatoon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. 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 Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Saskatoon? 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 Saskatoon


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 Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Saskatoon $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Saskatoon $17

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
  • Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $35
  • Panama City Beach: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Combo Ticket: $37
  • Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Trip by Catamaran: $38
  • Sunset Cruise with Good Jibez Only in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach: $40
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Panama City Beach: 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $44
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour: $49
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon : $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Saskatoon $9.60


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

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 Saskatoon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Saskatoon, 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.