A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Beaufort vs. Santa Fe for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaufort or Santa Fe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Santa Fe, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, live music, and food.

Beaufort and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Fe than Beaufort, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Fe is better known for its skiing, music, hiking, and shopping, while Beaufort is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is famous for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Beaufort different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Beaufort is not a skiing destination.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Beaufort is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Both Beaufort and Santa Fe have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Beaufort is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

Santa Fe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Santa Fe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Beaufort and Santa Fe.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaufort makes for a great culinary experience. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Santa Fe has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Evening events are respectable in both Beaufort and Santa Fe.

Most people don't head to Beaufort specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Santa Fe. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.


Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Beaufort is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Santa Fe active and fun. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Beaufort is not a live music destination.

Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Beaufort is very good for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Beaufort to enjoy the beach. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Beaufort and Santa Fe both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Beaufort to see the historical old town. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Santa Fe is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.


Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Beaufort is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is notable for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Fe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.


Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Beaufort is a great town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

Beaufort is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Beaufort or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Santa Fe is a good historic town to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

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

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a moderate historic town for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.


Is Beaufort or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Beaufort
Santa Fe

Beaufort and Santa Fe both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Beaufort is very walkable. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Santa Fe is a very walkable town. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

In either Beaufort or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Beaufort because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe than Beaufort 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 Santa Fe.


  • How many days in Beaufort or Santa Fe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaufort 1-3 
    Santa Fe 2-5

One day in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historic town of Santa Fe offers museums and skiing. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Beaufort is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This historic town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Fe or Beaufort?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $131, while the average daily cost in Santa Fe is $159. 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 Beaufort and Santa Fe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Santa Fe $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Santa Fe $162
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Santa Fe

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort or Santa Fe? 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.

Hotels in Beaufort


Hotels in Santa Fe


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: Beaufort Hotel Prices and Santa Fe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Santa Fe $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Fe

Also for Santa Fe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Santa Fe Airport (SAF): $62
  • Private Departure Transfer to Santa Fe Airport SAF: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Prices for flights to both Santa Fe and Beaufort 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beaufort $31
    Santa Fe $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Fe

For Santa Fe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza: $184
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Railyard Arts District: $189
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor': $209
  • Downtown Plaza "Sip and Savor" Half-day Food Tour: $209
  • Savor Wine Pairing Dinner: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Santa Fe $17

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40

Tours and Activities in Santa Fe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santa Fe.

  • Historic Downtown Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Santa Fe Historic Downtown Smart Phone Audio App Self Guided GPS Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Santa Fe's Historic Gems: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Historic Santa Fe: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Santa Fe, NM: $15
  • Santa Fe Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Santa Fe Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Santa Fe Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Santa Fe Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $49
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $53
  • Canyon Road Arts District Walking Tour: $69
  • Canyon Road Art & History Walking Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaufort -
    Santa Fe $9.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Fe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Fe:

  • Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting: $18
  • Architectural Walking Tour & Wine Tasting: $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Santa Fe, we can see that Santa Fe is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Fe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Fe than you might in Beaufort.

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


Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Santa Fe, 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.