A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Monica vs. Albuquerque for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Albuquerque? 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cosmopolitan, cultural, and outdoorsy town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Monica and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Albuquerque. While Albuquerque is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Albuquerque attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Monica is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Albuquerque is famous for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

How is Santa Monica different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and Santa Monica. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Is the Food Better in Santa Monica or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Santa Monica and Albuquerque can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Albuquerque has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great town for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Albuquerque is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Albuquerque is a good destination for hiking. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Both Santa Monica and Albuquerque are superb shopping destinations.

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Albuquerque. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Santa Monica and Albuquerque make for a superb place to visit.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Albuquerque makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Albuquerque is a popular place for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Albuquerque is a good town to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Albuquerque is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Santa Monica or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great town for its walkability. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Santa Monica or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Albuquerque. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Monica, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Albuquerque than Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albuquerque that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Albuquerque 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of Santa Monica. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Albuquerque, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this desert town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Albuquerque is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

The energetic town of Santa Monica offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Albuquerque is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Monica Expensive? and Is Albuquerque Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Albuquerque, 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.