A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or New York City?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or New York City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Saint Simons and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City. Although Saint Simons and New York City are both popular with visitors, New York City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Saint Simons is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. New York City is more touristy than Saint Simons and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

How is Saint Simons different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or New York City?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Saint Simons is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. 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.

Saint Simons is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Saint Simons has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or New York City?

New York City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Saint Simons is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Simons does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination for shoppers. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Saint Simons does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Saint Simons does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Saint Simons does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or New York City.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, New York City is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

New York City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Saint Simons is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is an unbeatable place for students. However, Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. 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.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

Is Saint Simons or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in New York City can get around quickly with the extensive 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 quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. 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.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or New York City?

Both Saint Simons and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Saint Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or New York City?

Even though Saint Simons 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Saint Simons or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. 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.

New York City is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Simons or New York City?

Saint Simons 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 island 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.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint Simons or New York City?

Saint Simons 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.

New York City is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Simons and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Saint Simons much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Simons would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons and New York City, 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 Saint Simons or New York City?

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 Saint Simons or New York City in the Summer?

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

Saint Simons is a little warmer than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or New York City in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In October, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York City. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or New York City in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as New York City. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and New York City. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Saint Simons is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than New York City. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Saint Simons