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

Should you visit Panama City or Greenville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Greenville, 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 cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Panama City travel costs.

Greenville

Greenville is a welcoming, hospitable, and southern city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Greenville travel costs.

Panama City and Greenville: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Panama City or Greenville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Greenville are both popular with visitors, Panama City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Panama City is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Greenville is known for its museums and attractions. Panama City is more touristy than Greenville and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also home to Pier Park. Greenville is popular for its outdoor spaces and its growing arts scene.

How is Panama City different from Greenville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Greenville

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

Greenville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums focus on art, history, and science. Notable museums in town include the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Greenville

Panama City is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Greenville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Greenville offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The food scene is growing and the farm-to-table movement is apparent here, but the city is still often overlooked by foodies in the area.

Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Greenville

Panama City is a great beach town for its evening party scene. Also, Greenville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. 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 Greenville. Bars, breweries, and low key clubs are what drive the city's nightlife scene. There are both piano bars and live music venues that often lean towards the local country classics.

Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Music?

Panama City
Greenville

Panama City is very good for its music scene. However, Greenville is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Greenville is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Greenville

Panama City is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Greenville is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Greenville is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Greenville

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

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

Greenville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Greenville?

Panama City
Greenville

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

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

Greenville has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find upscale shopping in the city's downtown and sprawling shopping malls in other neighborhoods. There are plenty of name brand stores where you can pick up the latest style.


Is Panama City or Greenville More Beautiful?

Panama City
Greenville

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

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.

Greenville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Families?

Panama City
Greenville

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

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Greenville is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many local families in town, so you'll find all kinds of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Paris Mountain State Park is a popular place where everyone can run around. Falls Park on the Reedy River also has walking trails and is in the city's historic district. There's also a children's theater and plenty of playgrounds around town.

Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Couples?

Panama City
Greenville

Panama City is a great beach town for couples. However, Greenville is not known for romance.

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.

Greenville is not the best destination for a couple to visit. You can take the free trolley down Main Street and then enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.


Is Panama City or Greenville Better for Students?

Panama City
Greenville

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Greenville is not known for students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Greenville is a decent spot for students. Furman University has a pretty campus and is a nice place to visit.

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

Panama City
Greenville

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

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 Greenville. There are free trolleys that make their way around the downtown neighborhoods.

Is Panama City or Greenville a more walkable city?

Panama City
Greenville

Greenville 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.

Greenville is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is surprisingly walkable, but like most cities in the area, you need a car to make the most of your visit.

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 Greenville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Greenville or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Greenville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Panama City or Greenville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Panama City than Greenville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Greenville.

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


  • How many days in Panama City or Greenville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Panama City 3-7 
    Greenville 1-2

One day in Panama City or Greenville?

With shopping and nightlife around the cosmopolitan 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 shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Greenville. 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 Greenville?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the southern destination of Greenville. 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 Greenville?

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.

The welcoming city of Greenville offers museums and nightlife. 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 Greenville?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Greenville. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Greenville 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
    Greenville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Greenville $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Greenville is $0.00. 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 Greenville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Greenville -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Greenville $0.00
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Greenville

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Greenville? 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 Greenville


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 Greenville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Greenville $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Greenville

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

  • Greenville to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Greenville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Greenville?

Prices for flights to both Greenville 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
    Greenville $37

Typical Food Prices in Greenville

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Greenville:


  • Marble Slab Creamery (for 2)
    $9.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Greenville $25

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 Greenville

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

  • Epic Royalty Themed Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Greenville: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Greenville SC: $15
  • Greenville Haunted Bar Tour: $35
  • Paranormal Walking Tour by Greenville Ghost Tours: $35
  • Greenville City Segway Tour: $75
  • 2-Hour Dessert Tour: $90
  • Saturday Morning Breakfast Tour: $90
  • Greenville Bites and Sights Lunch Tour: $95
  • Bites and Sights Guided Walking Tour: $95
  • Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast: $95
  • Just Desserts Tour In Greenville: $95
  • Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville: $105

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


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

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 Greenville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Greenville?

Greenville has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Greenville, 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.