A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Santa Monica for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit New York City or Santa Monica?

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 New York City and Santa Monica. 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.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See New York City travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

New York City and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Santa Monica. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Santa Monica attracts visitors for its beaches. New York City is famous for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities.

How is New York City different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Santa Monica?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Santa Monica is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Santa Monica is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Music?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Santa Monica?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is New York City or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

New York City is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you to most places easily. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is New York City or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or New York City?

How long in New York City or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New York City and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Santa Monica. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Santa Monica 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Santa Monica?

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in New York City or Santa Monica?

New York City is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in New York City or Santa Monica?

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in New York City or Santa Monica?

New York City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Santa Monica, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Santa Monica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Monica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Monica 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Santa Monica.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Santa Monica?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of New York City and Santa Monica, 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 New York City or Santa Monica?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New York City or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Santa Monica. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, New York City is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in New York City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, New York City is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. New York City is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches.

In the spring, New York City is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in New York City in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and New York City