A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boulder vs. Moncton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boulder 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 Boulder 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.

Boulder

Boulder is a nature-filled, biker-friendly, and outdoorsy city. Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and hiking. See Boulder travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a compact, cultural, and quaint city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Moncton travel costs.

Boulder and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boulder or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boulder. Although Boulder and Moncton are about the same size, Boulder has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boulder is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Moncton is known for its museums and attractions. Boulder is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also home to The Flatirons. Moncton is popular for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Boulder different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boulder or Moncton Better for Skiing?

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, Moncton is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Moncton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boulder or Moncton?

Moncton is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Moncton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

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

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Moncton area. 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 Boulder or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Boulder 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 Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

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 Boulder or Moncton Better for Music?

Boulder is a good destination for its music scene. However, Moncton is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Moncton is not a live music destination.

Is Boulder or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Boulder is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boulder for the hiking trails. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boulder or Moncton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boulder and Moncton both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Many visitors go to Moncton to go 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 Boulder or Moncton More Beautiful?

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

Boulder offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boulder or Moncton Better for Families?

Both Boulder and Moncton are good family-friendly destinations.

Boulder offers lots of family activities. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

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 Boulder or Moncton Better for Couples?

Boulder and Moncton both good destinations for a couple.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

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

Is Boulder or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder or Moncton Better for Students?

Boulder is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Moncton is not popular with students.

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

Boulder and Moncton both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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

Is Boulder or Moncton a more walkable city?

Boulder and Moncton are good when it comes to walkability.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Boulder?

How long in Boulder or Moncton?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder 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 Boulder.

One day in Boulder or Moncton?

In Boulder, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Boulder or Moncton?

In Boulder, you'll find live music and 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 Boulder 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 Boulder or Moncton?

Boulder is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Boulder or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. 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.

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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in 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 Boulder and Moncton, we can see that Boulder is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Boulder would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boulder than you might in Moncton.

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

Which is Bigger, Boulder or Moncton?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Boulder 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.