A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampa vs. Moncton for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tampa or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Moncton? 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Tampa and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tampa than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tampa is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Moncton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also well known for Busch Gardens. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Tampa different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Moncton?

Moncton is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Moncton. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Moncton can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Tampa or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Both Tampa and Moncton have reasonable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Moncton is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Tampa or Moncton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Tampa is great for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Moncton?

Moncton is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Moncton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Moncton Better for Families?

Tampa is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Tampa or Moncton Better for Couples?

Moncton is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Moncton is a good city for couples to visit. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Moncton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Moncton is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Moncton is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tampa or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tampa than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moncton than Tampa 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 Moncton.

One day in Tampa or Moncton?

In Tampa, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Moncton, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Moncton?

In Tampa, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tampa has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moncton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Moncton?

Tampa is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Moncton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Moncton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tampa. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Moncton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Moncton?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Moncton, 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 Tampa or Moncton?

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 Tampa or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Moncton. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

Tampa is a little warmer than Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Moncton. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Moncton. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Tampa is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Tampa