A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santa Barbara vs. Moncton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Moncton? 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 Moncton?

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.

Moncton

Moncton is the largest city in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Located in the Petitcodiac River Valley with access to the Bay of Fundy, and, by extension, the Atlantic Ocean, Moncton is also at the geographic center of Canada's Maritime Provinces. Today, the city's most famous attraction is Magnetic Hill, though there are also plenty of parks, museums, galleries, theatres, and other venues for entertainment.

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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton or Santa Barbara?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $162, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $107. 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 Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Barbara $88
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Barbara $176
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara or Moncton? 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 Santa Barbara


Hotels in Moncton


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 Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Barbara $42
    Moncton -

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 Santa Barbara or Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santa Barbara $46
    Moncton $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Barbara $27
    Moncton $79

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

Tours and Activities in Moncton

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

  • Moncton, NB: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $11
  • Moncton Self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Barbara $12
    Moncton $4.54
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Barbara and Moncton, we can see that Santa Barbara is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Santa Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara than you might in Moncton.

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 Moncton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Moncton, 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 Moncton?

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 Santa Barbara or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Moncton. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Santa Barbara is around the same temperature as Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 65°F (19°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in July than Moncton. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 the autumn, Santa Barbara is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santa Barbara in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In October, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Moncton. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Santa Barbara during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. In January, Santa Barbara is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 52°F (11°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Moncton. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Santa Barbara is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Moncton. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 65°F (19°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)