A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santa Barbara vs. Calgary for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Calgary?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Calgary? 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a scenic, stunning, and wealthy coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Santa Barbara and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Santa Barbara different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

Santa Barbara is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Santa Barbara or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Both Santa Barbara and Calgary are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Santa Barbara to see the old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Santa Barbara make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Families?

Santa Barbara is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is a very kid-friendly coastal town. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Calgary is a good coastal town for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Both Santa Barbara and Calgary offer good public transit options.

Santa Barbara has a few public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Calgary has some public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Santa Barbara or Calgary a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable coastal town. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Calgary 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 Barbara.

One day in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

In Santa Barbara, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the western destination of Calgary. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

In Santa Barbara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Barbara has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Santa Barbara or Calgary?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Calgary. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Calgary, 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.