A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Moncton for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Moncton?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Moncton can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Big Sur and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Big Sur and Moncton are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Moncton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Big Sur different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moncton and Big Sur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Moncton?

Moncton is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Moncton. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Moncton can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Moncton is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Moncton doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Moncton?

Moncton is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Moncton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Moncton More Beautiful?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Moncton.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Big Sur is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

Is Big Sur or Moncton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Moncton is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Moncton is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Big Sur or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Sur than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Moncton than Big Sur. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Moncton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Moncton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Sur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur than Moncton 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 Big Sur.

One day in Big Sur or Moncton?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Moncton, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or Moncton?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

In Moncton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moncton has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Moncton?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moncton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Moncton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Sur and Moncton, we can see that Moncton is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Moncton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moncton than you might in Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Sur Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Moncton?

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 Big Sur or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Moncton for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Big Sur is cooler than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Moncton. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Big Sur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Moncton because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Big Sur is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Moncton. The winter months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

It's quite cold in Moncton in the winter. In January, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Moncton. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Moncton. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. Big Sur is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Big Sur