A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Panama City vs. Saint Augustine for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Panama City or Saint Augustine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Saint Augustine, 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. Panama City is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Panama City travel costs.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. Saint Augustine is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Panama City and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Saint Augustine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Panama City and Saint Augustine are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and resorts. Panama City is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter.

How is Panama City different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for Music?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Both Panama City and Saint Augustine have superb beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine More Beautiful?

Panama City and Saint Augustine are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

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.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Panama City is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Panama City and Saint Augustine are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Saint Augustine is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine Better for Students?

Panama City is a great destination for students. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Panama City or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Panama City or Saint Augustine. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine than Panama City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Panama City or Saint Augustine?

The active destination of Panama City offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Saint Augustine. 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.

A weekend in Panama City or Saint Augustine?

The beach town of Panama City offers live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 notable destination of Saint Augustine. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Panama City or Saint Augustine?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The colonial city of Saint Augustine offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Saint Augustine?

The fun-filled beach town of Panama City offers shopping and nightlife. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Saint Augustine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Saint Augustine?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Saint Augustine, 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 Saint Augustine?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Augustine in the Summer?

Both Saint Augustine and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Augustine in the Autumn?

Both Saint Augustine and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Panama City is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Saint Augustine fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Saint Augustine. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 214 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Saint Augustine. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Augustine in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Saint Augustine. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Panama City is around the same temperature as Saint Augustine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Saint Augustine averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Augustine receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Augustine. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Augustine in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Saint Augustine. Many visitors come to Panama City in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Augustine. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Augustine receives 285 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Augustine. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Augustine receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Augustine and Panama City