A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Raleigh vs. Moncton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Raleigh or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Moncton? 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a student-friendly, suburban-style, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Raleigh travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Raleigh and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Raleigh than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Raleigh is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Moncton attracts visitors for its shopping. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. It is also well known for North Carolina State University. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Raleigh different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Raleigh or Moncton?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Moncton.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Is the Food Better in Raleigh or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Raleigh and Moncton offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Moncton. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Raleigh or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Raleigh is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Moncton?

Moncton is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Moncton to go shopping. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Moncton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Moncton.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Moncton offers lots of family activities. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Raleigh or Moncton Better for Couples?

Moncton is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Moncton is a good city for couples to visit. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Moncton Better for Students?

Raleigh is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton is not popular with students.

Many students visit Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Moncton is not popular with students.

Is Raleigh or Moncton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Moncton is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

Moncton is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Raleigh Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Raleigh or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Raleigh than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Raleigh, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moncton than Raleigh 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 Moncton.

One day in Raleigh or Moncton?

In Raleigh, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Moncton, you'll find museums and food. This city 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 Raleigh or Moncton?

In Raleigh, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Raleigh has to offer.

In Moncton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moncton has to offer.

Five days in Raleigh or Moncton?

Raleigh is a great place to explore. 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.

Moncton is a great place to explore. 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 Raleigh or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Raleigh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Raleigh. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moncton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Moncton. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Moncton?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh and Moncton, 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 Raleigh or Moncton?

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 Raleigh or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Raleigh during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

Raleigh is a little warmer than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Moncton. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In the autumn, Raleigh is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Raleigh in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Moncton. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Raleigh or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Moncton. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. In January, Raleigh is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 40°F (5°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Raleigh usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Raleigh is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In April, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Moncton. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Raleigh