Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Santa Barbara, 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.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Santa Barbara?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Santa Barbara $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $162. 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 Dayton and Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Santa Barbara $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara and Dayton 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 dayDayton $61Santa Barbara $46
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Santa Barbara $27
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $30
- Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Santa Barbara Ghost History and Mystery Walking Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible": $55
- Santa Barbara Ghost Tour "The Veil is Lifted" History & Mystery Walk: $55
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor: $55
- The Haunt: Solvang Ghost Hunting Tour: $55
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: $55
- 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour: $60
- Catamaran Coastal Cruise: $62
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- Guided Sea Lion Kayaking Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Santa Barbara $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
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:
- Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk with Ghost Storytelling: $105
- Solvang Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $185
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $194
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley: $199
- Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley (All-Inclusive & Full-Day): $215
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $219
- 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 Barbara/Santa Ynez Wine Tour (We Drive Your Vehicle): $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Santa Barbara, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Santa Barbara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Santa Barbara?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Dayton is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 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 JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
Both Santa Barbara and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dayton is cooler than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Dayton usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 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 OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Santa Barbara. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 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 JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Santa Barbara. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Dayton is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 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 AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Dayton
| Dayton | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 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.