A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. Cody, Wyoming for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

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 Big Sur and Cody, Wyoming can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Big Sur and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cody, Wyoming is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. Also, Cody, Wyoming is famous for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Big Sur different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming and Big Sur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cody, Wyoming specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Cody, Wyoming can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Cody, Wyoming offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cody, Wyoming has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming has an old town worth visiting. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming is great for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Cody, Wyoming is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cody, Wyoming. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable town. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Cody, Wyoming. In our opinion, Cody, Wyoming has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cody, Wyoming than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Cody, Wyoming. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Sur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur than Cody, Wyoming 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 Big Sur.

One day in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cody, Wyoming has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food around the beautiful natural area of Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cody, Wyoming. Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Sur Expensive? and Is Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.