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

Should you visit Panama City or Memphis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Memphis, 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 shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Panama City travel costs.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife. See Memphis travel costs.

Panama City and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Memphis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Memphis. Although Panama City and Memphis are both popular with visitors, Memphis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Memphis is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Panama City different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Memphis 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 Memphis has something for everybody. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Is Panama City or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Memphis There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

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.

Is Panama City or Memphis Better for Resorts?

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

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Memphis Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Memphis?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Panama City or Memphis More Beautiful?

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

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Memphis Better for Families?

Panama City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Panama City or Memphis Better for Couples?

Panama City is a great beach town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Memphis Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. Also, Memphis 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.

Memphis is a good beach town to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Is Panama City or Memphis 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 Memphis.

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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Panama City or Memphis a more walkable city?

Memphis 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.

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need 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 Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Memphis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

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

One day in Panama City or Memphis?

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Memphis. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Memphis?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the creative destination of Memphis. 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 Memphis?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The soulful city of Memphis offers food 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Memphis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Memphis, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Memphis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Memphis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Memphis 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 Memphis.

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 Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Memphis?

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

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 Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis 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. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In the summer, Panama City is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Panama City in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Memphis averages at about 83°F (29°C).

In Memphis, 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 Memphis. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis 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 Memphis. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Memphis. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 71°F (22°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Memphis. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or Memphis in the Winter?

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

Memphis can get quite cold in the winter. Panama City is much warmer than Memphis in the winter. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis 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 Memphis for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Panama City is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Panama City in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Memphis. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Panama City