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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming? 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 lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a fascinating, activity-filled, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Santa Monica and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Santa Monica and Cody, Wyoming are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches, while Cody, Wyoming attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Santa Monica is more touristy than Cody, Wyoming and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Cody, Wyoming is famous for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill.

How is Santa Monica different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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 Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cody, Wyoming has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its old town. However, Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Cody, Wyoming to see the old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

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

Cody, Wyoming is a good destination for hiking. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming?

Both Santa Monica and Cody, Wyoming are great 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 Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a very kid-friendly town. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

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

Cody, Wyoming is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

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 Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santa Monica and Cody, Wyoming. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Santa Monica than Cody, Wyoming. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Cody, Wyoming. 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 Santa Monica than Cody, Wyoming. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Monica that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica than Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a fun place to experience. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic destination of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place to visit. 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 Cody, Wyoming, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Cody, Wyoming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cody, Wyoming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming.

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 Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Cody, Wyoming?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica and Cody, Wyoming, 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.