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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Santa Monica can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a youthful, lively, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Santa Monica Pier


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Tallahassee is known for its museums. Santa Monica is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital 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 Tallahassee or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. 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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. 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.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.


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

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

For backpackers, both Tallahassee and Santa Monica are good places to visit.

Tallahassee is a good city to visit for backpackers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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.

Is Tallahassee or Santa Monica Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Tallahassee is notable for students. However, Santa Monica is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Tallahassee is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Monica than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Monica 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 Tallahassee 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.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Santa Monica? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Santa Monica 1-3

One day in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

In Tallahassee, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active 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.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Tallahassee 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.

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.


Five days in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the lively destination of Tallahassee. 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.

The lively 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.

A week in Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Tallahassee 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Santa Monica $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Santa Monica $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

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

  • Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
  • Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
  • Marina del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
  • Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
  • Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $222

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Santa Monica $38

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

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

  • 15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey: $129
  • 2 Hour Sailing Adventure From Marina Del Rey: $160
  • 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
  • 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
  • 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour: $80
  • All Day Tour 6.5 Hour : $111
  • Bring-Your-Own-Food and Drinks Marina del Rey Boat Tour: $80
  • City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
  • Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour: $90
  • Dolphins Whales and Sea Lion Wildlife Sightseeing Boat Tour: $90
  • Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Karaoke Boat Cruise ( Drinks included) LA's best attraction: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Santa Monica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195
  • Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199
  • Charcuterie Board and Wine Tasting in Marina Bay: $300


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Santa Monica?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


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

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 Tallahassee or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Tallahassee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tallahassee is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallahassee in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In April, Tallahassee is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)