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

Should you visit Panama City or Winnipeg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Winnipeg, 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Panama City travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Panama City and Winnipeg: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Panama City or Winnipeg?

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

How is Panama City different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Winnipeg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Music?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its live music scene. However, Winnipeg is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Winnipeg is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is great for the beach. However, Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Winnipeg?

Panama City
Winnipeg

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

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

Winnipeg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Panama City or Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Winnipeg is a good beach town for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


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

Panama City
Winnipeg

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Panama City is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.


Is Panama City or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Panama City
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a city 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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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 Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Winnipeg?

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

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


  • How many days in Panama City or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Panama City or Winnipeg?

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Panama City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The cultural city of Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winnipeg. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Big Kahuna Sunset Dolphin Cruise Experience: $55
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour Shell Island: $70
  • 2 Hour Shell Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tour: $149
  • 2 Hours Shell Island Jet Ski Tour: $159
  • 3 Hour Tiki Boat Adventure: $55
  • 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
  • Adventure Tour to Shell Island on the Privateer Catamaran: $65
  • Cruisin Tikis Shell Island Big Kahuna Beach and Snorkel Cruise: $70
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $130
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
  • Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar: $80

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Winnipeg -


When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

Both Winnipeg and Panama City during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences.

Panama City is a little warmer than Winnipeg in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the summer, Panama City often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 328 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 Winnipeg. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Winnipeg. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Panama City is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Winnipeg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Winnipeg. Many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winnipeg can be very cold during winter. In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Winnipeg. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than Winnipeg in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Panama City

Panama City Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)