A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Phoenix or Santa Monica?

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 Monica 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 desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Phoenix travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Phoenix and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Phoenix is known for its hiking. Santa Monica is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Monica?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Santa Monica and Phoenix.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. 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.

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica is a great 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 Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. 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.

Is Phoenix or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

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

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Phoenix or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great town for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Santa Monica is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Santa Monica is a great town for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Phoenix. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Monica.

One day in Phoenix or Santa Monica?

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this desert city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town 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 Phoenix or Santa Monica?

Phoenix is a fun place to experience. 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.

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Five days in Phoenix or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Monica?

Phoenix is a popular place to visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 comparing the travel costs between Phoenix and Santa Monica, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Santa Monica?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix and Santa Monica, 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 Monica?

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 Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 98°F (36°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Phoenix or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

Phoenix is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 79°F (26°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Phoenix is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phoenix in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Phoenix usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santa Monica. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Phoenix is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 74°F (23°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Phoenix usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Phoenix