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

Should you visit Norfolk or Moncton?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Norfolk or Moncton? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Norfolk travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Moncton travel costs.

Norfolk and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Moncton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Norfolk than Moncton. Norfolk is bigger than Moncton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence. Also, Norfolk is famous for the Battleship Wisconsin. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Norfolk different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Norfolk and Moncton have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Moncton offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Moncton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Norfolk or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Moncton?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Moncton and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Norfolk or Moncton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Moncton.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Moncton offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Moncton Better for Couples?

Moncton is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal 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 Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Moncton.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Norfolk or Moncton a more walkable city?

Norfolk and Moncton both are notable when exploring on foot.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Norfolk or Moncton to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Moncton than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

One day in Norfolk or Moncton?

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife 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.

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 Norfolk or Moncton?

In Norfolk, 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Moncton?

Norfolk 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 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 Norfolk or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Norfolk and Moncton, we can see that Norfolk 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 Norfolk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Norfolk 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Moncton?

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

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 Norfolk or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Moncton. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

Norfolk is much warmer than Moncton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Moncton. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Norfolk or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Moncton. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Moncton averages at about -8°C (17°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Norfolk usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In April, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Moncton. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Norfolk