Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Valdosta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Valdosta or Santa Monica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Monica? 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.
Where Should I go: Valdosta or Santa Monica?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $136Santa Monica $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $136, 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 Valdosta and Santa Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Santa Monica $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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.
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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Santa Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Santa 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 Valdosta or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica and Valdosta 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
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Food Meals for one dayValdosta $45Santa 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdosta $19Santa Monica $38
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdosta $27Santa 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 Valdosta and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Santa Monica in the Summer?
Both Santa Monica and Valdosta during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.
Valdosta is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdosta. Valdosta usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Santa Monica. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Valdosta is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valdosta in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).
In October, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Monica in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Santa Monica. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Valdosta is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Valdosta usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Santa Monica in the Spring?
Both Santa Monica and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.
Valdosta is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In April, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Valdosta
| Valdosta | 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.