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

Should you visit Panama City or Saint Louis?

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 Louis, 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. It's also known for live music, food, and beaches.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Saint Louis are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Panama City is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Panama City different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Panama City or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Panama City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Panama City or Saint Louis Better for Music?

Panama City is a good destination for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saint Louis 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 Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Panama City is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Panama City for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Saint Louis?

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

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Louis Better for Families?

Panama City is an amazing beach town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Panama City is very family-friendly. 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 Louis is very family-friendly. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Is Panama City or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Panama City is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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 Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Panama City or Saint Louis Better for Students?

Panama City is well known for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you around easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel 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 Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Louis Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Panama City or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Saint Louis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis 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 Louis.

One day in Panama City or Saint Louis?

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 food when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the cosmopolitan 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 fascinating destination of Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis?

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 unexpected city of Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

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 Saint Louis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Panama City and Saint Louis, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Saint Louis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Louis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Louis 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 Louis.

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 Louis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Saint Louis, 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 Louis?

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 Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Panama City for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Saint Louis during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Saint Louis and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Panama City in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months.

Panama City is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Saint Louis, 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 Louis. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Saint Louis. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Saint Louis. The spring months attract visitors to Panama City because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Panama City is generally a little warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Panama City