Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Veracruz?
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 Veracruz or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Veracruz or Santa Barbara?
Veracruz
Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Veracruz Prices
Mexico PricesSanta Barbara Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVeracruz $143Santa Barbara $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, 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 Veracruz and Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVeracruz $49Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVeracruz $98Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Veracruz $26Santa Barbara $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz
Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
- Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
- Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara and Veracruz 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 dayVeracruz $78Santa Barbara $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Veracruz $13Santa Barbara $27
Tours and Activities in Veracruz
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
- 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
- Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
- Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
- San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
- Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
- Live a Kayak Experience: $85
- Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
- Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
- Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
- Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
- Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
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 dayVeracruz $16Santa 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 Veracruz and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Veracruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Santa Barbara?
Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Veracruz is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVeracruz 27°C (81°F)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Santa Barbara. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In October, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) 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 OctoberVeracruz 26°C (79°F)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Santa Barbara. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Veracruz is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) 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 JanuaryVeracruz 21°C (71°F)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Veracruz or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
Both Santa Barbara and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Veracruz is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).
In April, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) 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 AprilVeracruz 26°C (78°F)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Veracruz
| Veracruz | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (71°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (71°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 24°C (74°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 410 mm (16.1 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 346 mm (13.6 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 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.