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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Winnipeg? 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Santa Monica and Winnipeg: 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
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Santa Monica Pier
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Winnipeg is more popular for its museums and attractions. Santa Monica is more touristy than Winnipeg and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Santa Monica different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Winnipeg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. 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.


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

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Monica has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Santa Monica or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Santa Monica or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Santa Monica or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Santa Monica or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Winnipeg is a good town for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


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

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Both Santa Monica and Winnipeg are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Winnipeg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

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

The public transit in Santa Monica can get you around easily. 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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Santa Monica or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Santa Monica
Winnipeg

Santa Monica is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Santa Monica or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santa Monica 1-3 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Winnipeg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Winnipeg 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santa Monica $248
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Monica is $248, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Monica $123
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Monica $246
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Santa Monica and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Santa Monica or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Monica $50
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33

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
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

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

  • 1934 Classic MotorSailer Experience Timeless Elegance and History: $240
  • 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
  • 3 Hour Private Jeep Tour of Santa Monica: $200
  • 4-Hour Los Angeles Tour With Guide And Hotel Pickup: $131
  • City Cruises Los Angeles Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey: $129
  • City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
  • E-Boat Ride in Marina Del Rey Boat Tour Experience: $85
  • Exotic Tijuana Massage Tour in LA: $250
  • Full Day Iconic Sites Tour of LA from Santa Monica with Six Stops: $99
  • Half Day Best of Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica : $79
  • Hidden Los Angeles Private Photo Tour - Best for social media: $164
  • Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Monica $21
    Winnipeg -

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 comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg 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 Monica Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Winnipeg. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Santa Monica is around the same temperature as Winnipeg in the summer. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 70°F (21°C) in July, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Winnipeg. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Santa Monica or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

Both Winnipeg and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Santa Monica is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santa Monica in October average around 67°F (20°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Santa Monica or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Santa Monica during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Winnipeg in the winter. In January, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 57°F (14°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Winnipeg. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Santa Monica or Winnipeg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Winnipeg. The beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Santa Monica is much warmer than Winnipeg in the spring. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Santa Monica

Santa Monica Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)