Which place is cheaper, Eugene or Santa Barbara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santa Barbara or Eugene?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Eugene? 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.
Where Should I go: Santa Barbara or Eugene?
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.
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySanta Barbara $162Eugene $160
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $162, while the average daily cost in Eugene is $160. 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 Santa Barbara and Eugene in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Barbara $88Eugene $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Barbara $176Eugene $194
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Eugene
Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara or Eugene? 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 and Eugene Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Barbara $42Eugene $37
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 Santa Barbara or Eugene?
Prices for flights to both Eugene and Santa Barbara 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 daySanta Barbara $46Eugene $41
Typical Food Prices in Eugene
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:
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Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)$16
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Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)$12
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santa Barbara $27Eugene -
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySanta Barbara $12Eugene -
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 Santa Barbara and Eugene, 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Barbara Expensive? and Is Eugene Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Eugene?
Eugene has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Eugene, 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 Santa Barbara or Eugene?
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 Santa Barbara or Eugene in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Eugene. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Santa Barbara is generally around the same temperature as Eugene. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 65°F (19°C), and Eugene fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In July, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Eugene. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Eugene receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySanta Barbara 65°F (19°C)Eugene 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Eugene in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Eugene. 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.
Santa Barbara is a little warmer than Eugene in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Eugene fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).
It's quite rainy in Eugene. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in October than Eugene. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Eugene receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSanta Barbara 62°F (17°C)Eugene 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Eugene in the Winter?
Both Eugene and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In the winter, Santa Barbara is much warmer than Eugene. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Barbara in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Eugene averages at about 41°F (5°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Eugene. In January, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Eugene. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Eugene receives 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySanta Barbara 52°F (11°C)Eugene 41°F (5°C)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Eugene in the Spring?
Both Eugene and Santa Barbara during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Santa Barbara is generally a little warmer than Eugene. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 57°F (14°C), and Eugene fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in April than Eugene. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Eugene receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSanta Barbara 57°F (14°C)Eugene 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Eugene and Santa Barbara
| Santa Barbara | Eugene | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) |
| Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) |
| Apr | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) |
| Jul | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Dec | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 42°F (5°C) | 6.3 inches (161 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.