A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Blue Ridge vs. Moncton for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Moncton?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Moncton. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Moncton travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Moncton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Moncton is more popular for its museums and attractions. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Blue Ridge different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Moncton is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Blue Ridge or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is great for its shopping areas. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Moncton is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Moncton More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Moncton Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Moncton Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is great for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Blue Ridge is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Moncton is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options 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 Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.


Is Blue Ridge or Moncton a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Moncton

Blue Ridge and Moncton are notable when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Moncton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Moncton 1-2

One day in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and food around the compact city of Moncton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moncton, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Blue Ridge has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Moncton, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Moncton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Blue Ridge Prices
    USA Prices
    Moncton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Blue Ridge $150
    Moncton $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $150, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $148. 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 Blue Ridge and Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Moncton? 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 Blue Ridge


Hotels in Moncton


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Moncton -

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $61
    Moncton $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Moncton $79

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

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

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
  • Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation: $20
  • Helen’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Moncton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Moncton.

  • Unexpected Downtown Food and Drink Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Moncton $4.54


When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Moncton, we can see that Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Moncton, 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Moncton. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Moncton. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Moncton. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the shopping scene.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Moncton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Moncton can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Moncton averages at about -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Moncton. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Moncton can be very cold during spring. In April, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Moncton. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)