A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Santa Fe for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Savannah or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Santa Fe? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a scenic, historic, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, live music, and food.

Savannah and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Savannah or Santa Fe?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Fe than Savannah. While Savannah is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Savannah is more popular for its museums and beaches. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is famous for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Savannah different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Savannah is not a skiing destination.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Savannah is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Santa Fe?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Savannah is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Is the Food Better in Savannah or Santa Fe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Savannah and Santa Fe can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Santa Fe has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a moderate historic town for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.


Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a popular place for live music. However, Savannah is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Savannah is not a live music destination.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Savannah is very good for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Santa Fe

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Savannah and Santa Fe.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.


Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Santa Fe?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Both Savannah and Santa Fe are great shopping destinations.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Santa Fe is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Santa Fe.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly city. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.


Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Savannah is a great city for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

Savannah is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Savannah is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Savannah and Santa Fe are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Savannah is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Plenty of students visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.


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

Savannah
Santa Fe

Both Savannah and Santa Fe offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Savannah or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Savannah
Santa Fe

Savannah and Santa Fe both are great when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Santa Fe is a very walkable city. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Santa Fe?

In either Savannah or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Savannah because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Santa Fe 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 Savannah.


  • How many days in Savannah or Santa Fe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Santa Fe 2-5

One day in Savannah or Santa Fe?

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historic town of Santa Fe offers museums and skiing. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Savannah or Santa Fe?

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Santa Fe?

Savannah is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Santa Fe?

Savannah is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This historic town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Fe or Savannah?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, while the average daily cost in Santa Fe is $159. 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 Savannah and Santa Fe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Santa Fe $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Santa Fe $162
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Santa Fe

Looking for a hotel in Savannah or Santa Fe? 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 Savannah


Hotels in Santa Fe


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Santa Fe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Santa Fe $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $430
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $256
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $221
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $221
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $205
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $205
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $178
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Fe

Also for Santa Fe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Santa Fe Airport (SAF): $62
  • Private Departure Transfer to Santa Fe Airport SAF: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Santa Fe?

Prices for flights to both Santa Fe and Savannah 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
    Savannah $58
    Santa Fe $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour: $67
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Fe

For Santa Fe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza: $184
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Railyard Arts District: $189
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor': $209
  • Downtown Plaza "Sip and Savor" Half-day Food Tour: $209
  • Savor Wine Pairing Dinner: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Santa Fe $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

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

  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $30
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah: $35
  • 2-Hour Explore Savannah Bike Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $54
  • 2hr Paranormal Walking Tour: $30
  • 5 Hours Tybee Island Exclusive Bus and Bike Combo Tour: $75
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $55
  • 90 Minutes Walking Tour in Savannah: $30
  • 90 minute Original Haunted Savannah Tour | 8pm: $25
  • 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: $41
  • Afterlife Tours- Voices of the Dead Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Santa Fe

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

  • Historic Downtown Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Santa Fe Historic Downtown Smart Phone Audio App Self Guided GPS Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Santa Fe's Historic Gems: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Santa Fe by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Santa Fe by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Santa Fe, NM: $15
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Historic Santa Fe: $15
  • Santa Fe Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Santa Fe Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Santa Fe Style Wanted: $39
  • Santa Fe Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $49
  • Canyon Road Arts District Walking Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Santa Fe $9.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Pub Crawl: $20
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Dive Bar Crawl Ticket: $25
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • Bad Kitty Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl - Spooky, naughty ghosts: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Fe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Fe:

  • Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting: $18


When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Santa Fe, we can see that Savannah 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 Savannah Expensive? and Is Santa Fe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Santa Fe?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Santa Fe, 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.