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

Should you visit Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Santa Barbara can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Phoenix travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Phoenix and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Phoenix and Santa Barbara.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

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

Santa Barbara is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

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

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Phoenix or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Phoenix. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Phoenix. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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.

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 Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. 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.

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 Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the desert destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Phoenix. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Santa Barbara, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Santa Barbara?

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

Both Santa Barbara and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. Phoenix is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 98°F (36°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Phoenix usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Phoenix is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phoenix in October average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Phoenix is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Phoenix is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 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 Phoenix