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

Should you visit Tulum or Santa Monica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Santa Monica can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Tulum travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Tulum and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is famous for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities.

How is Tulum different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is an amazing town to visit 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tulum are among the most recognizable in the world. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Santa Monica.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Both Tulum and Santa Monica are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Tulum is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Santa Monica?

Both Tulum and Santa Monica are excellent shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Tulum is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Tulum is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Santa Monica is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Santa Monica can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tulum or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Tulum and Santa Monica both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Santa Monica. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

One day in Tulum or Santa Monica?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this funfilled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Santa Monica?

Tulum is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Santa Monica?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this ancient destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Santa Monica?

Tulum is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the funfilled destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Santa Monica, 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 Tulum or Santa Monica?

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 Tulum or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tulum is much warmer than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Santa Monica. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Tulum