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

Should you visit Panama City or Nashville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Nashville, 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 fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic 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.

Panama City and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less active music scene
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Panama City or Nashville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville. Although Panama City and Nashville are popular destinations, Nashville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nashville is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Panama City attracts visitors for its beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Nashville and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Panama City different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Panama City
Nashville

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

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Panama City
Nashville

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Nashville can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Nashville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Panama City
Nashville

It's hard to distinguish whether Panama City or Nashville 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 Nashville has something for everybody. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Music?

Panama City
Nashville

Nashville 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 Nashville The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

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 Nashville Better for Resorts?

Panama City
Nashville

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Panama City and Nashville.

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.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Panama City
Nashville

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Panama City attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Nashville?

Panama City
Nashville

Panama City is a beach town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Panama City. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.


Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Panama City
Nashville

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville offers some nice Christmas activities. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Panama City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Families?

Panama City
Nashville

Panama City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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 Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Couples?

Panama City
Nashville

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

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.


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

Panama City
Nashville

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Panama City or Nashville Better for Students?

Panama City
Nashville

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Panama City. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Nashville is a decent spot for students. Several universities bring in international students, but the city is smaller and it isn't the most popular student destination in America.

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

Panama City
Nashville

Panama City is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.


Is Panama City or Nashville a more walkable city?

Panama City
Nashville

Neither Panama City or Nashville are walkable places.

Panama City is not a walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

Nashville is not a very walkable beach town. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Nashville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Nashville?

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

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


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

One day in Panama City or Nashville?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Panama City. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the country music lovers city of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the eclectic destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled beach town of Panama City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The country music lovers city of Nashville 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 Nashville?

Panama City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Panama City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. 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 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, Nashville 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 Nashville is $172. 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 Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Panama City or Nashville? 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 Nashville


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 Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville 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
    Nashville $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

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

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

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Explore Nashville's Melodies: An In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $13
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20
  • Downtown Nashville Sightseeing Walking Tour with Ice Cream : $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Panama City $56
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Lost Spirits: Murder True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $35


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

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 Nashville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Panama City or Nashville?

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

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 Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Nashville. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the summer, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Panama City is a little warmer than Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than Nashville. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Panama City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nashville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in January than Nashville. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Panama City or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Nashville. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

In April, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than Nashville. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Panama City

Panama City Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)