A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santa Monica vs. Moncton for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Santa Monica or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a compact, cultural, and quaint city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Moncton travel costs.

Santa Monica and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Moncton are roughly the same size, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than Moncton and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Moncton is popular for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Santa Monica different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Moncton?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Moncton.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Moncton. 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 Santa Monica or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Moncton?

Santa Monica 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 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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

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

Santa Monica is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Moncton is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. 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 generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Santa Monica or Moncton a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Moncton?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Santa Monica or Moncton?

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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton?

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.

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 Santa Monica or Moncton?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint 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 Santa Monica or Moncton?

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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, 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 Santa Monica and Moncton, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Moncton?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Moncton. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santa Monica is around the same temperature as Moncton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Monica in July average around 70°F (21°C), and Moncton averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Moncton. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In October, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 67°F (20°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Moncton. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Santa Monica during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica 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. Santa Monica is much warmer than Moncton in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Monica or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Moncton. Many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Santa Monica is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Monica in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Moncton averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Moncton. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Santa Monica