Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Woodstock?
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 Woodstock or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Woodstock 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: Woodstock or Santa Barbara?
Woodstock
While this town does lend its name to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, the legendary event was actually held on a dairy farm almost 60 miles away in Bethel, NY. So if you are looking to see the field where it all happened and a museum dedicated to its history, you will need to take a day trip outside of town.
Woodstock, New York, however, does stay true to the spirit of the arts. Since 1903, the place lay home to Byrdcliffe Art Colony, the oldest of its kind in the nation, and even attracted artists of the Hudson River School during the late 1800s. Today, artists from all disciplines-visual, ceramic, music, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry-take up residence at the colony and have works displayed in galleries open in the main part of town.
Tinker Street and Mill Hill Road are lined with a mix of restaurants and shops all teeming with the essence of hippie living, arts, and spirituality. From shops selling Woodstock paraphernalia, incense, and Himalayan products, to yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and local art galleries-the town of Woodstock is one dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Woodstock Festival and the arts alive.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Woodstock Prices
USA PricesSanta Barbara Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWoodstock $178Santa Barbara $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Woodstock is $178, 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 Woodstock and Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWoodstock $81Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWoodstock $162Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Woodstock and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Woodstock 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: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Woodstock $60Santa Barbara $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Woodstock or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara and Woodstock 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 dayWoodstock $59Santa Barbara $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Woodstock $35Santa Barbara $27
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Goleta Isla Vista CA: $15
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $28
- Sanctum Sacrifice of Santa Barbara Ghost Tours: $32
- Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara: $40
- Santa Barbara Narrated Coastal Yacht Experience: $42
- Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara: $45
- Santa Barbara Ghost Tours "Dead of the Night" History, Mystery!: $55
- Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours): $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWoodstock $22Santa 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 comparing the travel costs between Woodstock and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Woodstock Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Woodstock or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Woodstock. When comparing the sizes of Woodstock 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 Woodstock or Santa Barbara?
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 Woodstock or Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and Woodstock are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, 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 July, Woodstock is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 74°F (24°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).
In July, Woodstock usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Woodstock gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWoodstock 74°F (24°C)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Woodstock or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
Both Santa Barbara and Woodstock during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, 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.
Woodstock is cooler than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Woodstock averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Woodstock usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Woodstock gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWoodstock 53°F (12°C)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Woodstock or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Woodstock and Santa Barbara. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Woodstock. In the winter, Woodstock is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Woodstock in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In January, Woodstock usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. Woodstock gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWoodstock 25°F (-4°C)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Woodstock or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Woodstock as well as Santa Barbara. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Woodstock is generally cooler than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 49°F (10°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Woodstock usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Woodstock gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWoodstock 49°F (10°C)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Woodstock
| Woodstock | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 38°F (3°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 49°F (10°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 53°F (12°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 43°F (6°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 30°F (-1°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.