A Travel Price Comparison for California Santa Barbara vs. Santa Monica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Santa Barbara or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica is $210. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Barbara $88
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Barbara $176
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica

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


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 Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Barbara $42
    Santa Monica $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Barbara or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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
    Santa Monica $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Barbara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Barbara.

  • Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour: $175

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Barbara $27
    Santa Monica $38

Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:

  • Santa Barbara's Beginnings: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $30
  • Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Santa Barbara Highlights Private 2-Hour Driving Tour: $51
  • Santa Barbara Ghost Tour "The Veil is Lifted" History & Mystery Walk: $55
  • Santa Barbara Ghost History and Mystery Walking Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible": $55
  • Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide: $55
  • The Haunt: 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

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour on the Pier: $30
  • Virtual Reality Escape Room Experience: $45
  • Half Day Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach: $60
  • Bring-Your-Own-Food and Drinks Marina del Rey Boat Tour: $65
  • LA: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike Tour: $72
  • 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
  • Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour: $74
  • Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour: $85
  • 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour: $85
  • Small Group Electric EBike bicycle Tour Santa Monica and Venice : $89
  • Santa Monica and Venice Beach Electric Bike Tour: $94
  • Perfect 5 ½ Hour LA & Hollywood Tour from Santa Monica: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Barbara $12
    Santa Monica $21
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:

  • Wine Tasting with Ghost Storytelling/Walk Santa Barbara "Paranormal Pairing": $95
  • Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $184
  • Solvang + Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $199
  • Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour: $215
  • Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
  • Small-Group Santa Barbara Wine Tour to Private Locations - Max 7 Guests: $235
  • Santa Ynez Wine Tour from Santa Barbara: $259
  • Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $259
  • Private Group Wine Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $391
  • 6-Hour Private Santa Ynez Limousine Wine Tour: $480
  • 6-Hour Private Limousine Santa Barbara Wine Tour: $480

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is bigger, and its population is about 2% larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the population of Santa Barbara vs. Santa Monica, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santa Barbara is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 65°F (19°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, Santa Barbara usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Santa Barbara during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Santa Barbara is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Santa Barbara is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Barbara in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Santa Barbara usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Santa Barbara is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 65°F (19°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 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.
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Santa Barbara vs. Santa Monica Travel Comparison

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