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

Should you visit Panama City or Wilmington?

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

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

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Wilmington travel costs.

Panama City and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Wilmington?

Both Wilmington and Panama City have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Panama City is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Panama City different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Panama City for the nightlife scene. 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Music?

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

Wilmington is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

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

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Both Panama City and Wilmington have superb 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 Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Wilmington?

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

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

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Panama City or Wilmington More Beautiful?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Families?

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

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly beach town. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Panama City and Wilmington are both superb 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.

Wilmington is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Panama City or Wilmington Better for Students?

Panama City is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Wilmington is a good beach town to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Is Panama City or Wilmington 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 Wilmington.

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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Panama City or Wilmington a more walkable city?

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Wilmington?

In either Panama City or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than Wilmington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

One day in Panama City or Wilmington?

With shopping and nightlife around the active beach town of Panama City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Wilmington. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wilmington?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Panama City, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming destination of Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wilmington?

Panama City, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming city of Wilmington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wilmington?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Wilmington, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Wilmington?

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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

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

Wilmington 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 less rain in July than Wilmington. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Wilmington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Wilmington. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene.

Panama City is a little warmer than Wilmington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Wilmington. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Wilmington averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Wilmington. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Wilmington in the Spring?

Both Wilmington and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

In April, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wilmington. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Panama City