Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or San Fernando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Fernando or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando or Santa Barbara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: San Fernando or Santa Barbara?
San Fernando
As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Fernando $153Santa Barbara $162
The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $153, 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 San Fernando and Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Fernando $74Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Fernando $148Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in San Fernando 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.
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: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Fernando $50Santa Barbara $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara and San Fernando 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
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Food Meals for one daySan Fernando $48Santa Barbara $46
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Fernando $28Santa Barbara $27
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- 5 STARS: "Where The Locals Go!" Nature-History Tour: $95
- Authentic Funk Zone Tour: $125
- City & Sand Electric Bike Tour: $105
- Coastline Kayak Tour near Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide: $122
- Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour: $175
- Electric Bike Adventure in Santa Barbara Wine Country: $83
- Epic Zipline Tour Over The Santa Ynez Valley: $139
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor: $55
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: $55
- Montecito Coastline Electric Bike Guided Tour: $125
- Private Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Fernando $22Santa Barbara $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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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 San Fernando and Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando Expensive? and Is Santa Barbara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit San Fernando or Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara and San Fernando during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, San Fernando is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Fernando in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Fernando 27°C (81°F)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit San Fernando or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Santa Barbara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Fernando 27°C (81°F)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit San Fernando or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Santa Barbara. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
San Fernando is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
San Fernando usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Fernando 26°C (78°F)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit San Fernando or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
Both Santa Barbara and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, San Fernando is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Fernando in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).
In April, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Fernando 27°C (81°F)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and San Fernando
| San Fernando | 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.