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

Should you visit Panama City or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Vancouver, 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 live music, food, and beaches. See Panama City travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Panama City and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Vancouver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vancouver. Although Panama City and Vancouver are popular destinations, Vancouver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vancouver is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Panama City attracts visitors for its music, resorts, and beaches. Panama City is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Vancouver is famous for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park.

How is Panama City different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vancouver is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Vancouver has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Vancouver has something for everybody. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Panama City or Vancouver Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for live music. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Panama City is great for its beaches. However, Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

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 Vancouver Better for Families?

Panama City is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly beach town. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Panama City or Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Vancouver Better for Students?

Panama City and Vancouver are great places to visit for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city 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.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun 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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Vancouver?

In either Panama City or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Vancouver because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

One day in Panama City or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver is a diverse city where you can fill many days. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cosmopolitan 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.

Vancouver is a scenic big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled 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.

Vancouver is a scenic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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 Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Vancouver, 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 Vancouver. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Panama City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Panama City usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Panama City