A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Simons vs. Moncton for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Simons or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Moncton travel costs.

Saint Simons and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Moncton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Moncton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Moncton is more popular for its museums and attractions. Saint Simons is more touristy than Moncton and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Saint Simons different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Moncton?

Moncton is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Saint Simons is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Saint Simons or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Simons or Moncton has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Simons is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Moncton doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Saint Simons or Moncton Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Moncton is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Moncton is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is great for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Moncton?

Saint Simons is great for its shopping areas. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Moncton is a great destination for 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.

Is Saint Simons or Moncton More Beautiful?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Moncton Better for Families?

Saint Simons is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton 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 Saint Simons. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint Simons or Moncton Better for Couples?

Saint Simons is great for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Simons is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Is Saint Simons 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, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Moncton a more walkable city?

Saint Simons and Moncton both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Simons or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Simons than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

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

One day in Saint Simons or Moncton?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Saint Simons or Moncton?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Simons has to offer.

Moncton 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.

Five days in Saint Simons or Moncton?

Saint Simons 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Moncton. 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 Saint Simons or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Moncton 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical 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 Saint Simons and Moncton, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Simons is generally a little warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Moncton. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Moncton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Moncton. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Moncton in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. In the winter, Saint Simons is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Simons in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Moncton averages at about -8°C (17°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 68°F (20°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Moncton. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Saint Simons