Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dayton or Santa Monica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Santa Monica, 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 Monica?
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 Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Santa Monica $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $210. 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 Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Santa Monica $123
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Santa Monica? 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 Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Santa Monica $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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
-
Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Santa Monica $52
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
-
Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
-
Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
- Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
- Marina del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $222
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Santa Monica $38
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 Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $15
- Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $22
- Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour on the Pier: $30
- Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Santa Monica Downtown Walking Tour: $40
- Santa Monica Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $44
- Virtual Reality Escape Room Experience: $45
- Onewheel Board Experience: $60
- Los Angeles: Latin Dance Club Crawl Experience: $65
- 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
- Sights and Sips Cruise Tour in Marina del Rey: $69
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Santa Monica $21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195
- Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199
- Charcuterie Board and Wine Tasting in Marina Bay: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Santa Monica, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Santa Monica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Monica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Monica 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 Monica.
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 Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Santa Monica?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Santa Monica, 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 Monica?
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 Monica in the Summer?
Both Santa Monica and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Dayton is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
Both Santa Monica and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.
Dayton is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
Dayton usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Santa Monica in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Santa Monica. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.
The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In the winter, Dayton is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).
In January, Dayton usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Santa Monica in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Santa Monica. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.
In April, Dayton is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Dayton
| Dayton | Santa Monica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 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.