Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Valdosta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Valdosta or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Barbara? 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.
Where Should I go: Valdosta or Santa Barbara?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Valdosta Prices
USA PricesSanta Barbara Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $169Santa Barbara $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $169, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $196. 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 Valdosta and Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta or Santa Barbara? 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.
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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Santa Barbara $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara and Valdosta 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
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Food Meals for one dayValdosta $77Santa Barbara $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdosta $19Santa Barbara $27
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Tours of Santa Barbara ( Private touring ): $219
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- 3-Winery Tour Tastings & Lunch Included from Santa Barbara in SYV: $179
- 3-Winery Tour: Lunch Included from Santa Barbara in Santa Ynez: $119
- 3-Winery Tour: Lunch Included from Santa Ynez/Solvang/Buellton: $89
- 3-Winery Tour: Tastings & Lunch Included from Santa Ynez/Solvang: $149
- Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara: $125
- Bellosguardo Estate Tour: $100
- Best of Santa Barbara Walking Tour with Ice Cream : $90
- City & Sand Electric Bike Tour: $105
- Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $40
- Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara: $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdosta $27Santa Barbara $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Santa Barbara Craft Brewery and History Crawl: $140
- Private Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $175
- Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $180
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
- Santa Ynez Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $239
- Santa Ynez Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive): $259
- Santa Barbara Wine Tour Experience - Authentic and Boutique : $265
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdosta and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara than you might in Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta and Santa Barbara, 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 Valdosta or Santa Barbara?
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 Valdosta or Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and Valdosta during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In the summer, Valdosta is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdosta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. Valdosta usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Santa Barbara. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Valdosta is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 69°F (20°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In October, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Santa Barbara. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Valdosta is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Valdosta usually gets more rain in January than Santa Barbara. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
Both Santa Barbara and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Valdosta is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdosta in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).
It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In April, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Valdosta
| Valdosta | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.