A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sarasota vs. Moncton for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Moncton?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Moncton. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Sarasota travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a compact, cultural, and quaint city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Moncton travel costs.

Sarasota and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Moncton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than Moncton. While Moncton is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Moncton is popular for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Sarasota different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Moncton?

Sarasota is great for its historical sights. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Sarasota or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Sarasota and Moncton.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Moncton area. 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 Sarasota or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

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 Sarasota or Moncton Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Moncton is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Moncton is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a good destination for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Moncton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Moncton both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Many visitors go to Moncton to go 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 Sarasota or Moncton Better for Families?

Sarasota 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, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Moncton Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Moncton both good destinations for a couple.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Moncton is a good city for couples to visit. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

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

Sarasota and Moncton both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Sarasota or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarasota 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 Sarasota.

One day in Sarasota or Moncton?

In Sarasota, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Moncton offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Moncton?

In Sarasota, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarasota has to offer.

Moncton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moncton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Moncton?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarasota has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Sarasota or Moncton?

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

Moncton is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, 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 Sarasota and Moncton, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Moncton?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sarasota or Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In the summer, Sarasota is a little warmer than Moncton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Moncton averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Moncton. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the shopping scene.

In October, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Moncton. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Moncton can get quite cold in the winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Moncton in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Moncton. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Moncton. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches.

Moncton can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Sarasota is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Moncton averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Sarasota