A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Philadelphia vs. Santa Barbara for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Santa Barbara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a opulent, pristine, and affluent coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Philadelphia and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Santa Barbara, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Santa Barbara is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.

How is Philadelphia different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Philadelphia is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Philadelphia on the map. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Many visitors head to Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Santa Barbara is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Santa Barbara is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Philadelphia and Santa Barbara offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Dining out in Santa Barbara is an experience not to be missed. 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 Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Philadelphia offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Philadelphia is very popular with diverse venues. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Santa Barbara is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. 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.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia and Santa Barbara both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Philadelphia. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Santa Barbara offers a nice historic old town area. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Santa Barbara draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Santa Barbara are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Both Philadelphia and Santa Barbara are very good destinations for students.

Philadelphia is a great city to visit as a student. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

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

Philadelphia is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Philadelphia can get you to most places easily. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Philadelphia on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Philadelphia and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Philadelphia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Philadelphia than Santa Barbara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia than Santa Barbara 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

Philadelphia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this pristine coastal town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the diverse big city of Philadelphia. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the pristine destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the city of Philadelphia. 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.

Santa Barbara is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Santa Barbara, we can see that Philadelphia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Santa Barbara?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Philadelphia is generally cooler than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Philadelphia during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Philadelphia is much colder than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Philadelphia usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Santa Barbara. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Philadelphia is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 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 Philadelphia