A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sun Valley vs. Moncton for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a active, adventurous, and outdoorsy town. With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Moncton travel costs.

Sun Valley and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Moncton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sun Valley than Moncton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sun Valley is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Moncton is more popular for its museums and attractions. Sun Valley is more touristy than Moncton and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Also, Sun Valley is famous for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Sun Valley different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Moncton is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Moncton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sun Valley or Moncton?

Moncton is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Sun Valley or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

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 Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is great for its luxury resorts. However, Moncton is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Moncton is not a resort destination.

Is Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Moncton?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Moncton and Sun Valley.

Sun Valley is a great destination for shopping. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Moncton. 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 Sun Valley or Moncton More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sun Valley attracts visitors from all around. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Families?

Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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

Is Sun Valley or Moncton a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sun Valley or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sun Valley than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sun Valley, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Sun Valley or Moncton?

In Sun Valley, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and food around the cultural city of Moncton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moncton, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Moncton?

In Sun Valley, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the destination of Moncton, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Sun Valley or Moncton?

Sun Valley is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sun Valley has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sun Valley or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. In Sun Valley, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Moncton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, 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 Sun Valley and Moncton, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive? and Is Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley 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.