Santa Barbara is a stunning coastal town known for Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Funk Zone. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Santa Barbara and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or relaxing on the beaches.
How much does it cost to travel to Santa Barbara?
A typical traveler spends $196 per day on a trip to Santa Barbara. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Santa Barbara based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $80 on meals
- $42 on local transportation
- $177 on hotels
A one-week trip to Santa Barbara for two people costs, on average, $2,744. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,372
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,744
-
One Month
Per person
$5,880
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,744
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,488
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,760
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santa Barbara cost?
A one week trip to Santa Barbara usually costs around $1,372 for one person and $2,744 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Santa Barbara on average costs around $2,744 for one person and $5,488 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santa Barbara will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Santa Barbara on average costs around $5,880 for one person and $11,760 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Santa Barbara expensive to visit?
In Santa Barbara, budget travelers spend $86 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $196 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $376 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is a well-liked coastal town that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Santa Barbara can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Santa Barbara is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Ocean City or Greensboro.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santa Barbara Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Santa Barbara?
The average Santa Barbara trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santa Barbara travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santa Barbara cost?
Santa Barbara on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$39
|
$88
|
$169
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$18
|
$42
|
$81
|
|
Food2
|
$35
|
$80
|
$153
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$12
|
$27
|
$53
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-8
|
$6-18
|
$11-33
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Santa Barbara on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Santa Barbara on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $86 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Thankfully, Santa Barbara is filled with plenty of hostels, such as ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel and Social Stays. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Santa Barbara, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Santa Barbara will want to visit Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, or Funk Zone. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $196 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Santa Barbara is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Harbor House Inn Santa Barbara is a solid choice for families, while Cheshire Cat Inn also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Santa Barbara here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $376 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the coastal town will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santa Barbara
In Santa Barbara, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $253, but during peak season they jump to an average of $472. You can find budget options starting at $166 up to luxury rates at $924. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santa Barbara for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $177. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $88 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santa Barbara include:
- Harbor House Inn Santa Barbara starting at $227
- Cheshire Cat Inn starting at $269
- Marina Beach Motel starting at $216
- Secret Garden Inn & Cottages starting at $256
- The Eagle Inn starting at $250
With Santa Barbara's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the coastal town is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.
As a family-friendly coastal town, Santa Barbara is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.
This coastal town provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Many enjoy discovering Santa Barbara by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
The coastal town's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in Santa Barbara
Public transit in Santa Barbara is reliable and reaches key landmarks. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $42 per person, per day, on local transportation in Santa Barbara. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santa Barbara is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$42
Most people drive to Santa Barbara. It's relatively easy to drive around town and there is free parking available in many areas outside of the downtown. Even in the downtown area you can often find free parking for the first hour. It's possible to rent a car from either Budget or Hertz, both of which have rental shops at the airport (compare car rental prices here).
There are buses that run throughout the city and connect it to the neighborhing cities of Goleta, Montecito and Carpinteria. The main Transit Center is 8 blocks from the Amtrak train station. There is also a shuttle bus that runs along State Street between downtown Sola St and Stearns Wharf, and along the waterfront between the harbor and the zoo. It leaves every quarter or half hour between 9 am and 6 pm (later on summer weekends).
It's possible to rent a bike from many of the shops along the waterfront. You can pick up a bike map at the Santa Barbara visitor center and there is a beach side bike path that many visitors enjoy. Rickshaw taxis are also common.
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Santa Barbara? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santa Barbara will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Santa Barbara
The food scene in Santa Barbara is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Santa Barbara can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santa Barbara is $80 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$80
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santa Barbara is around $80 ($80) per person, with previous travelers spending from $35 to $153. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $56
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Mexican food is ubiquitous in Santa Barbara. There are also a range of styles and restaurant types throughout the city. Many top chefs have opened restaurants in the area so fine dining is easy to find with unique and well executed dishes. Many restaurants use local and fresh ingredients that make dining in Santa Barbara truly an experience.
Budget dining options around town include taquerias, cafes, sandwich shops, and pizza. If you're willing to spend a little more then you can enjoy excellent seafood, sushi, or French cuisine. Wine is also excellent in the area and should be enjoyed whenever possible.
Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santa Barbara
Visitors find Santa Barbara irresistible, especially for its beaches, hiking, romance, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santa Barbara typically cost an average of $27 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- Stearns Wharf (Free)
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse (Free)
- Funk Zone (Free)
- Santa Barbara Mission for $15
- Santa Barbara Zoo for $22
- Shoreline Park (Free)
- Cold Spring Tavern for $
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum for $12
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art for $15
- El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park for $10
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for $15
- Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (Free)
Many people visit Santa Barbara for its beautiful coastline and Mediterranean vibe. Simply exploring the city and soaking up the atmosphere and pleasant weather is the best way to experience the city. If you're looking for specific things to do in Santa Barbara, then popular options include the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Botanic Garden, the Contemporary Arts Forum, and Reagan Ranch Center Exhibit Gallery. Popular museums include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Art, the Historical Museum, and Karpeles Museum.
There are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy in and around this area, especially if you're visiting as a day trip for one day in Santa Barbara from L.A. or elsewhere. The beaches are excellent places to relax and take in the natural beauty. Golf, hiking, surfing, paragliding, and kayaking are all popular sports. Food tours, wine tours, and walking tours in the area are also available.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. 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.
Beaches:
Many travelers seek the calming shores of Santa Barbara. 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.
Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Santa Barbara. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.
A nice way to explore destinations in Santa Barbara is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Guided Tour in Santa Barbara on Electric Bikes for $90 details
- Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara for $125 details
- Historic Santa Barbara Food Tasting Tour for $125 details
Nightlife Budget in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara provides a selection of nightlife activities, but it doesn't quite stack up to the lively scenes in other popular areas. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santa Barbara per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Santa Barbara. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country for $235 details
- Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Wine Tour (We Drive Your Vehicle) for $300 details
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour for $175 details
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santa Barbara are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Santa Barbara. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 31, 2025
Traveling in Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Courthouse
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
Santa Barbara's climate is Mediterranean. Its location along the coast means that the ocean breeze keeps the temperatures moderate with warm winters and cool summers. The winter months may experience storms with heavy rainfall and summers are drier. Snow may cover the Santa Ynez Mountains, but almost never falls in the city itself.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are a variety of neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, each with its own character. The Mesa is the area from Santa Barbara City College to Arroyo Burro County Beach. It has a beach vibe and is a pleasant place to explore. Mission Canyon is a wooded and hilly area around the Old Mission. It is a popular starting point for hiking. The Riviera is the hillside that faces the ocean and resembles a Mediterranean coastal town. The Westside is in the lowlands between State Street and the Mesa and is where you'll find Santa Barbara City College. The Eastside is to the east of State Street to the base of the Riviera. The Waterfront has the majority of the tourist businesses along Cabrillo Blvd. Lower State Street is also popular with tourists for its thriving nightlife and many festivals. Upper State Street is a residential and commerical area. San Roque is northwest of downtown and Samarkand is a residential area.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
Beautiful? Absolutely! But Santa Barbara is not a cheap destination. If you want to safe money, try to find an affordable Airbnb.