A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Monterey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando or Monterey, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Monterey?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Monterey or San Fernando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $188, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $211. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Fernando and Monterey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Monterey $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Monterey

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando or Monterey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Fernando


Hotels in Monterey


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Monterey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Monterey $32

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Monterey?

Prices for flights to both Monterey and San Fernando change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Fernando $83
    Monterey $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Monterey $27

Tours and Activities in Monterey

For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Family Friendly" Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr: $79
  • Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $214
  • From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $131
  • Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours: $24
  • Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
  • Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $75
  • Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $208
  • Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour including 17 Mile Drive: $202
  • Monterey- 3 Hour GPS Guided Tour: $229
  • 1-Hour GPS Guided Scooter Car Tour: $112
  • 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
  • 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Monterey $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $206


When comparing the travel costs between San Fernando and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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. Even though San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Monterey is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Monterey?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando and Monterey, 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 San Fernando or Monterey?

Monterey has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Fernando is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Fernando in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Monterey. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Monterey 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Monterey. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

San Fernando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Fernando usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Monterey 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

San Fernando is much warmer than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Monterey. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Monterey 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and San Fernando during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In the spring, San Fernando is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Fernando in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

San Fernando usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Monterey 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Monterey and San Fernando

San Fernando Monterey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)