A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Newton vs. Big Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Newton or Big Sur?

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 Newton and Big Sur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Newton or Big Sur?

Newton

Newton, a large suburb of Boston, consists of 13 villages or neighborhoods: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Lower Falls, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Upper Falls, Waban, and West Newton. It's a good sized city with a population of over 80,000. Each village has its own historical and architectural character. Many of the villages were founded around railroad stations when the Boston & Worcester line opened in 1833 along the north side of the city. Another railroad line started along the south side of town in 1851. It's now the "D" line of the MBTA's Green Line. Walking tours of most villages are available and recommended for history buffs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Sur or Newton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Newton is $147, while the average daily cost in Big Sur is $0.00. 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 Newton and Big Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newton $82
    Big Sur $165
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newton $164
    Big Sur $330
Compare Hotels in Newton and Big Sur

Looking for a hotel in Newton or Big Sur? 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 Newton


Hotels in Big Sur


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newton $80
    Big Sur -

Is it cheaper to fly into Newton or Big Sur?

Prices for flights to both Big Sur and Newton 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
    Newton $25
    Big Sur -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newton -
    Big Sur -

Tours and Activities in Big Sur

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

  • Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour: $13
  • Big Sur Highway 1: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newton -
    Big Sur -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newton and Big Sur, we can see that Newton 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 Newton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newton 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 Newton Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Newton or Big Sur?

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 Newton or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Newton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Newton is a little warmer than Big Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Newton averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Newton usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Newton gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newton 73°F (23°C) 
    Big Sur 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Newton or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Newton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Newton is cooler than Big Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newton in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Big Sur averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Newton usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Newton gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newton 54°F (12°C) 
    Big Sur 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Newton or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newton and Big Sur. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newton. In January, Newton is generally much colder than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Newton average around 29°F (-2°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Newton usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Newton gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newton 29°F (-2°C) 
    Big Sur 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Newton or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newton as well as Big Sur. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Newton is much colder than Big Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Newton averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Newton usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Newton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newton 48°F (9°C) 
    Big Sur 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Newton

Newton Big Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)