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

Should you visit Panama City or Minneapolis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Minneapolis, 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. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Panama City or Minneapolis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Panama City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Panama City is more popular for its music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Panama City different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Minneapolis

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis has something for everybody. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Music?

Panama City
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.


Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Minneapolis

Panama City is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Minneapolis?

Panama City
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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


Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Panama City
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Panama City
Minneapolis

Panama City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Minneapolis is a good beach town for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Panama City or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Panama City
Minneapolis

Panama City and Minneapolis are superb places to visit 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.


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

Panama City
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Panama City or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Panama City
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Minneapolis?

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

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


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

One day in Panama City or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Minneapolis. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Panama City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the innovative destination of Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cosmopolitan beach town of Panama City. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The dynamic city of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Panama City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Panama City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $224, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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 $66
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Panama City $19
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Capt. Zach's Adventures: $73
  • 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
  • 2 Hour Private Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Shell Island: $65
  • 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54
  • Beach Sunset and Lagoon Skyline Tour: $70
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour PCB Free Videos: $129
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Tour with Videos-PCB: $129
  • Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour in Panama City Beach: $60
  • Cypress Springs Eco Adventure: $110
  • Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Riverfront: $11
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $13
  • Troll Tales at Children's Cave 1-Hour Tour in Saint Paul: $13
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Minneapolis?

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

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

Panama City is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Panama City is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Panama City is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

Panama City is much warmer than Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Panama City usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Panama City

Panama City Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)