A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America North Conway vs. Big Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit North Conway or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit North Conway or Big Sur? 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.

Where Should I go: North Conway or Big Sur?

North Conway

North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit North Conway or Big Sur?

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 North Conway or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, North Conway is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in North Conway in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, North Conway usually receives more rain than Big Sur. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit North Conway or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and North Conway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, North Conway is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 49°F (9°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

North Conway usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit North Conway or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and Big Sur. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

North Conway can get quite cold in the winter. North Conway is much colder than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, North Conway usually receives more rain than Big Sur. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit North Conway or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as Big Sur. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, North Conway is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in North Conway in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

North Conway usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and North Conway