A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Port-of-Spain vs. Santa Barbara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port-of-Spain and Santa Barbara can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara?

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Port-of-Spain?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $174, 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 Port-of-Spain and Santa Barbara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port-of-Spain $80
    Santa Barbara $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port-of-Spain $160
    Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and Santa Barbara

Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain 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.

Hotels in Port-of-Spain


Hotels in Santa Barbara


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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $49
    Santa Barbara $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:

  • Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $93
  • Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara?

Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara and Port-of-Spain 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
    Port-of-Spain $54
    Santa Barbara $46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $59
    Santa Barbara $27

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port-of-Spain $22
    Santa Barbara $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:


  • 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 comparing the travel costs between Port-of-Spain and Santa Barbara, we can see that Port-of-Spain is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands and Santa Barbara is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port-of-Spain Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and Santa Barbara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Port-of-Spain is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Port-of-Spain gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as Santa Barbara. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Port-of-Spain is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Port-of-Spain in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Port-of-Spain receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Port-of-Spain is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 26°C (78°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Port-of-Spain usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F) 
    Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Port-of-Spain during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Port-of-Spain is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Port-of-Spain

Port-of-Spain Santa Barbara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 65°F (19°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)