A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Woodstock vs. Monterey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Woodstock or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Woodstock or Monterey? 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: Woodstock or Monterey?

Woodstock

While this town does lend its name to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, the legendary event was actually held on a dairy farm almost 60 miles away in Bethel, NY. So if you are looking to see the field where it all happened and a museum dedicated to its history, you will need to take a day trip outside of town.

Woodstock, New York, however, does stay true to the spirit of the arts. Since 1903, the place lay home to Byrdcliffe Art Colony, the oldest of its kind in the nation, and even attracted artists of the Hudson River School during the late 1800s. Today, artists from all disciplines-visual, ceramic, music, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry-take up residence at the colony and have works displayed in galleries open in the main part of town.

Tinker Street and Mill Hill Road are lined with a mix of restaurants and shops all teeming with the essence of hippie living, arts, and spirituality. From shops selling Woodstock paraphernalia, incense, and Himalayan products, to yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and local art galleries-the town of Woodstock is one dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Woodstock Festival and the arts alive.

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Woodstock?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Woodstock is $154, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $170. 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 Woodstock and Monterey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Woodstock $81
    Monterey $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Woodstock $162
    Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Woodstock and Monterey

Looking for a hotel in Woodstock or Monterey? 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 Woodstock


Hotels in Monterey


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: Monterey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Woodstock $60
    Monterey $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Woodstock or Monterey?

Prices for flights to both Monterey and Woodstock 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
    Woodstock $34
    Monterey $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey

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

  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Woodstock $35
    Monterey $27

Tours and Activities in Monterey

For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • San Fran Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App: $7.30
  • Self-Guided John Steinbeck Walking Tour with Audio: $7.99
  • Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
  • Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $60
  • Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
  • Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
  • Whale Watching Cruise: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Woodstock $22
    Monterey $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

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

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150


When comparing the travel costs between Woodstock and Monterey, we can see that Monterey 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 Woodstock Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Woodstock or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Woodstock. When comparing the sizes of Woodstock and Monterey, 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 Woodstock or Monterey?

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 Woodstock or Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Woodstock during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Woodstock is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 74°F (24°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Woodstock usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Woodstock gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Woodstock 74°F (24°C) 
    Monterey 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Woodstock or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Woodstock and Monterey. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Woodstock is cooler than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Woodstock averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Woodstock usually receives more rain than Monterey. Woodstock gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Woodstock 53°F (12°C) 
    Monterey 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Woodstock or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Woodstock as well as Monterey. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Woodstock in the winter. In the winter, Woodstock is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Woodstock in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Woodstock usually gets more rain in January than Monterey. Woodstock gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Woodstock 25°F (-4°C) 
    Monterey 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Woodstock or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Woodstock are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Woodstock is generally cooler than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 49°F (10°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Woodstock usually receives more rain than Monterey. Woodstock gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Woodstock 49°F (10°C) 
    Monterey 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Monterey and Woodstock

Woodstock Monterey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 28°F (-2°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 30°F (-1°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)