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

Should you visit Durango 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 Durango 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.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Moncton

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

Durango and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Moncton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Moncton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Moncton is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Durango is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Durango different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Moncton Better for Skiing?

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

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Moncton is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Durango or Moncton.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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.

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

Moncton is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Moncton. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Durango or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Moncton is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Moncton. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Durango or Moncton Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Moncton does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Moncton does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Moncton Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durango or Moncton?

Moncton is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moncton. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Durango or Moncton More Beautiful?

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

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durango or Moncton Better for Families?

Durango 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 Durango. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Durango or Moncton Better for Couples?

Moncton is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Durango or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Moncton is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango 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 Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Durango or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Durango?

How long in Durango or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Durango or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Durango 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 Durango, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

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

One day in Durango or Moncton?

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This small town 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 Durango or Moncton?

Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango or Moncton?

Durango 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 Durango or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. Since Durango 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.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Durango and Moncton, we can see that Durango 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 Durango would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durango 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 Durango Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durango or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Durango 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.