2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Winter Haven, FL vs Panama City Beach, FL

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Highlights
Are people in Panama City Beach older or younger than people in Winter Haven?
- The Median Age in Panama City Beach is 3.8 years older than in Winter Haven.

Are housing costs cheaper in Panama City Beach or Winter Haven?
- Panama City Beach housing costs are 68.2% more expensive than Winter Haven housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Panama City Beach or Winter Haven?
- The average commute for residents of Panama City Beach is 1.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Winter Haven.

Things to do in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven, Florida lies within Polk county offering tourists plenty of entertainment opportunities around Legoland Florida Resort along with local stores like The Lakeside Village Shopping Center.

Things to do in Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach is an incorporated city situated within Bay County, Florida boasting plenty of activities like visiting its local museums like the Pineapple Willy’s World Famous Beach Bar & Grill suitable for anyone interested in the area's history plus nearby Gulf World Marine Park has various events and exhibits conveniently situated close by. There are also several shopping outlets and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine good for anyone looking to browse around or have a meal out during their visit here!

 Winter Haven, FLPanama City Beach, FLUnited States
 Population  Unlock17,882329,725,481
 Median Income$50,842  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock44.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$281,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.12  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Winter Haven    9 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I moved here 4 years ago from Sarasota FL., because it seemed quiet, calmer, less expensive, and a reasonable distance back to SRQ, Tampa, and Orlando. What a mistake!  More

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Definitely NOT a fan. My son moved me here without checking the rental home or neighborhood. WOW, we're we in for a surprise. It's total ghetto. I would NEVER  More

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Over 9 years ago

I lived in Bartow, right down the road from WH for many years. This is not a metropolitan area. It is middle class, bedroom community. It will take you less than an hour  More

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Reviews for Panama City Beach    12 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

I've lived here since 2001 and have seen many changes, mainly for the good. Although in the last couple years, and even more so after Hurricane Michael the cost of  More

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Over 7 years ago

I loved this area until I heard the property owners/corporations increased peoples rents between 30% to 90% that were still recovering from last years  More

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Over 13 years ago

Pannama city lived in the neighboring area 6 years loved it . I think you expect to much from such a small town as for the papermill you either put up with the smell or  More

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