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

Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Monterey 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.

Monterey and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Moncton are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Monterey different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey is great for its historical sights. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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.

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Moncton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Moncton?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Moncton Better for Families?

Monterey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey or Moncton Better for Couples?

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

Monterey is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Monterey and Moncton.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

Is Monterey or Moncton a more walkable city?

Monterey is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Moncton?

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

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

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

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

One day in Monterey or Moncton?

In Monterey, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

The city of Moncton offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Moncton?

In Monterey, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Monterey has to offer.

Moncton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moncton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Moncton?

Monterey 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.

Moncton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Moncton?

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

Moncton is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monterey and Moncton, we can see that Monterey 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 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 Moncton.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Moncton. The summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

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

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Moncton. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Moncton. The shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the shopping scene.

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

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Monterey 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 Monterey or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Monterey 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. In January, Monterey is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Moncton. Monterey 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 Monterey or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Monterey during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

Moncton can be very cold during spring. Monterey is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Monterey 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 Monterey