A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for New York City and Carmel-by-the-Sea. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. New York City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See New York City travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

New York City and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New York City than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New York City is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Carmel-by-the-Sea and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is New York City different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

New York City is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put New York City on the map. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

New York City is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

In New York City you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for it's beautiful beaches. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

New York City is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

New York City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

New York City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

New York City is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels or accommodation options that appeal to backpackers.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for students. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for its public transit. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

New York City is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or New York City?

How long in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New York City and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Five days in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

When visiting New York City, people usually allow for lots of time. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town 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.

A week in New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 1980 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of New York City and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New York City is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 77°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

New York City is cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. In the winter, New York City is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in New York City in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, New York City is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 52°F (11°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and New York City