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

Should you visit Raleigh or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Santa Monica? 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 suburban-style, friendly, and southern city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife. See Raleigh travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Raleigh and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Raleigh. While Raleigh is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Raleigh is known for its big city activities. Santa Monica is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Raleigh is popular for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

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 Raleigh or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Santa Monica is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. 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.

Is Raleigh or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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.

Is Raleigh or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. 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.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is well known for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Raleigh or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. 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.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Raleigh or Santa Monica Better for Students?

Raleigh is notable for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Raleigh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Santa Monica is well known for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Monica offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 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 Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. 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 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Raleigh or Santa Monica?

In Raleigh, many people enjoy the food and museums that this friendly city offers. 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.

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 Raleigh or Santa Monica?

Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Raleigh. 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 Raleigh or Santa Monica?

Raleigh 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Raleigh and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Santa Monica?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Raleigh or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In July, Raleigh is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 79°F (26°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Raleigh or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Santa Monica. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

Raleigh is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Raleigh. In the winter, Raleigh is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Raleigh in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Raleigh or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Raleigh during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In April, Raleigh is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 60°F (16°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Raleigh