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

Should you visit Panama City or Sacramento?

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

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

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sacramento travel costs.

Panama City and Sacramento: 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 backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Panama City or Sacramento?

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

How is Panama City different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Sacramento

Sacramento 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 Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Sacramento

Panama City is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Music?

Panama City
Sacramento

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Sacramento

Panama City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Sacramento?

Panama City
Sacramento

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

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

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.


Is Panama City or Sacramento More Beautiful?

Panama City
Sacramento

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

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Families?

Panama City
Sacramento

Panama City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Panama City
Sacramento

Panama City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.


Is Panama City or Sacramento Better for Students?

Panama City
Sacramento

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with 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.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Panama City
Sacramento

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

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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Panama City or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Panama City
Sacramento

Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Panama City or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Panama City than Sacramento 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 Sacramento.

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


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

One day in Panama City or Sacramento?

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 food when visiting the relaxed city of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

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 relaxed destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

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 laid back city of Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento. 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, Sacramento 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
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Panama City $272
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $320. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $186
  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Thai Cooking Class in Southeastern Sacramento (4-Course Menu): $108
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

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

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: $120
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
  • Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18
  • Nevada City Haunted History Tour: $20
  • Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours: $24
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Panama City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Panama City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Panama City 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Panama City.

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 Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Sacramento. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

Panama City is a little warmer than Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the summer, Panama City often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Sacramento for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Panama City is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sacramento in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Sacramento. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sacramento. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Sacramento. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Panama City is a little warmer than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Panama City

Panama City Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)