A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Albuquerque for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

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 Myrtle Beach and Albuquerque can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a historic, traditional, and cosmopolitan town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Albuquerque, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Albuquerque is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Albuquerque specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Albuquerque is an experience not to be missed. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Myrtle Beach is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a world class party destination. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.


Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Albuquerque is revered around the world. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Myrtle Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albuquerque. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Albuquerque frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.


Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Many students visit Myrtle Beach. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Albuquerque is a good beach city to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable town. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.


For even more information, also check out Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

Couples should spend more time in Albuquerque than Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque than Myrtle Beach 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 Albuquerque.


  • How many days in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    Myrtle Beach 2-7 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the party-filled beach city of Myrtle Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Albuquerque, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the jam-packed destination of Myrtle Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Albuquerque is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the high energy beach city of Myrtle Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

Albuquerque is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Myrtle Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $135. 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 Myrtle Beach and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque? 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 Myrtle Beach


Hotels in Albuquerque


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Albuquerque $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

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

  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Pagosa Springs Private Transfer: $176
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Private Transfer: $126
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Round-Trip Transfer: $252
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Albuquerque $41
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Albuquerque $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
  • Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More: $120
  • Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Friday Night Flights Local Beer Tour in Myrtle Beach: $90
  • From Charleston Tour with Boone Hall & Cruise: $173
  • Kayak Salt Marsh Maze Tour: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet: $50

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

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

  • Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour by App: $6.50
  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque smart phone App/Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Turquoise Museum Admission Ticket: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Turquoise Museum Curator's Tour: $20
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Old Town Albuquerque Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001: $35
  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • ABQ City Guided History Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Albuquerque $20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach and Albuquerque, 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.