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

Should you visit Panama City or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or New Orleans, 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Panama City and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although Panama City and New Orleans are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Panama City attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. New Orleans is famous for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter.

The French Quarter

How is Panama City different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New Orleans and Panama City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Is Panama City or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

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 New Orleans Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

New Orleans is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is a great destination for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or New Orleans?

Panama City is a beach town with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in 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, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Panama City or New Orleans Better for Families?

Panama City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Panama City or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Panama City or New Orleans Better for Students?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Is Panama City or New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Panama City or New Orleans a more walkable city?

New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or New Orleans?

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

Families should spend more time in Panama City than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in Panama City or New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the active 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 live music when visiting the fun-filled city of New Orleans. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the active 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 live music and food when visiting the energetic destination of New Orleans. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun-filled 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 festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 New Orleans?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting New Orleans. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or New Orleans?

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

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Panama City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Panama City usually gets more rain in July than New Orleans. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or New Orleans in the Autumn?

Both New Orleans 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 New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Panama City is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans during autumn. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Panama City usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Panama City or New Orleans in the Winter?

Both New Orleans 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. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Panama City is around the same temperature as New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Panama City often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Panama City usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or New Orleans in the Spring?

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

In April, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Panama City usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Panama City