A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Monterey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana or Monterey?

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 Havana and Monterey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Monterey?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Monterey, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Monterey is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey than you might in Havana.

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

Which is Bigger, Havana or Monterey?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Monterey, 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 Havana or Monterey?

Monterey has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Havana as well as Monterey. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Havana is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Havana usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Havana is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Havana in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Monterey. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Havana or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Havana during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In January, Havana is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 21°C (70°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

Havana is much warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Havana usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Havana