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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Saskatoon? 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 active, lively, and funfilled town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Santa Monica and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Home to the Santa Monica Pier
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Saskatoon. While Saskatoon is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Santa Monica different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Saskatoon.

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 Saskatoon. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.


Is the Food Better in Santa Monica or Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Santa Monica or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Santa Monica offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Santa Monica or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Santa Monica or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Santa Monica or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Saskatoon is a good town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.


Is Santa Monica or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

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

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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

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

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Santa Monica has some very good public transit options. 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 mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Santa Monica or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Santa Monica
Saskatoon

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Monica and Saskatoon. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Monica than Saskatoon. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Santa Monica or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santa Monica 1-3 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Saskatoon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active town of Santa Monica. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Saskatoon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon or Santa Monica?

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

  • Santa Monica Prices
    USA Prices
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santa Monica $248
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Monica is $248, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. 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 Santa Monica and Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Monica $123
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Monica $246
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Santa Monica and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Santa Monica or Saskatoon? 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 Santa Monica


Hotels in Saskatoon


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: Santa Monica Hotel Prices and Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Monica $50
    Saskatoon $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon and Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica $91
    Saskatoon $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • City Cruises Los Angeles Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $132
  • Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise: $149
  • Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Monica $38
    Saskatoon $17

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • Santa Monica Superhero Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour: $26
  • Santa Monica Art Museum: General Admission Ticket: $28
  • LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $30
  • Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $30
  • Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour: $49
  • 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
  • Hollywood Tour with Walk of Fame Stop: $55
  • Venice Beach and Santa Monica eBike Tour : $56
  • Best of LA Tour with 3 Iconic Stops: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Monica $21
    Saskatoon $9.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Monica and Saskatoon, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

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 Saskatoon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Saskatoon, 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.