A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Santa Barbara for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Tulum or Santa Barbara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Santa Barbara 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tulum and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Tulum, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tulum is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Tulum is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Tulum different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Tulum is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Many visitors head to Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Santa Barbara.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Tulum is renowned for its resorts. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Both Tulum and Santa Barbara are considered to be terrific beach destinations.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Santa Barbara offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is terrific for shopping. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Santa Barbara are excellent to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Barbara is very family-friendly. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Santa Barbara are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Santa Barbara is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a well-known place for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

Both Tulum and Santa Barbara offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Tulum or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Tulum and Santa Barbara both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Santa Barbara 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Santa Barbara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this opulent destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the ancient destination of Tulum. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santa Barbara. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Santa Barbara?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful town of Tulum. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the stunning destination of Santa Barbara. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Santa Barbara, 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 Tulum or Santa Barbara?

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 Tulum or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Santa Barbara. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Santa Barbara. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Tulum