A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Santa Barbara for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Orlando or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Santa Barbara? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Orlando travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Orlando and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Orlando. While Orlando is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions and resorts. Orlando is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Orlando different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Santa Barbara is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Santa Barbara is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Orlando or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Orlando and Santa Barbara.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Santa Barbara.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Orlando is renowned for its resorts. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is renowned for shopping. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Orlando is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Santa Barbara is a very popular coastal town for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Barbara than in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Orlando 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the active destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Santa Barbara?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Orlando and Santa Barbara, 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 Orlando or Santa Barbara?

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 Orlando or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Orlando during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In July, Orlando is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Santa Barbara. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Orlando is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orlando usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Orlando is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Orlando