San Antonio is a cultural city known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to San Antonio, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to San Antonio?
You should plan to spend around $161 per day on your vacation in San Antonio. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $69 on meals
- $20 on local transportation
- $137 on hotels
A one week trip to San Antonio for two people costs, on average, $2,254. 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
$1,127
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,254
-
One Month
Per person
$4,830
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,254
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,508
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,660
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Antonio cost?
A one week trip to San Antonio usually costs around $1,127 for one person and $2,254 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to San Antonio on average costs around $2,254 for one person and $4,508 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 San Antonio will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to San Antonio on average costs around $4,830 for one person and $9,660 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is San Antonio expensive to visit?
San Antonio is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
San Antonio can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $65 per day, mid-range travelers spend $161 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $403 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Antonio.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, San Antonio is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Antonio Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Antonio?
The average San Antonio trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Antonio travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Antonio cost?
San Antonio on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
|
$69
|
$169
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7.55
|
$20
|
$54
|
|
Food 2
|
$27
|
$69
|
$171
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
|
$36
|
$116
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit San Antonio with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $65 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
While food is a highlight for every visitor in San Antonio, budget travelers often opt for street food or cook in their hostel, which can prevent them from enjoying the exquisite culinary offerings.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in San Antonio will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $161 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in San Antonio. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk is a good kid-friendly option, and The St Anthony a Luxury Collection Hotel San Antonio is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for San Antonio here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $403 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Drunk History Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in San Antonio
The hotel prices in San Antonio might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $110, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $205. Prices vary from $69 to $381, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Antonio for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $137. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $69 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Antonio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Antonio include:
- Mokara Hotel & Spa starting at $294
- The St Anthony a Luxury Collection Hotel San Antonio starting at $287
- San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk starting at $269
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk starting at $257
- Hilton Palacio del Rio starting at $240
In a family-friendly place like San Antonio, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
The city's old town is a favorite spot for visitors. Hotels here may be expensive, but they usually have a lot of character and offer convenient access to local attractions.
Transportation Budget in San Antonio
San Antonio does not has a good public transit system. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.
It's unfortunate that most of the city isn't very walkable. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $20 per person, per day, on local transportation in San Antonio. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Antonio is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer for $58 details
- Private One-way Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio for $66 details
- Private One Way Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport for $66 details
How much does it cost to go to San Antonio? 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 San Antonio 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.
Typical prices for transit in San Antonio are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in San Antonio. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in San Antonio
Food in San Antonio is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in San Antonio can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Antonio is $69 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$69
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Antonio is around $69 ($69) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $171. 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 San Antonio are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $21
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $21 to $48
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Food in San Antonio is excellent and generally affordable. If you're planning to dine out, check out some of these best restaurants in San Antonio for your next trip. Mexican cuisine is everywhere, as are Tex-Mex options. Other budget options include pizza, Vietnamese, Thai, and delis. If you're interested in spending a little more on a great meal, then there are a variety of good grills, steak houses, or riverfront options that won't disappoint.
As motioned earlier, the Riverwalk area is very popular and has a number of great places to eat. For fine dining on the Riverwalk, head to Biga on the Banks, Boudros, or the Little Rhein Steak House.
When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in San Antonio, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Alamo City Murder Mystery Dinner Show The Whole Enchilada Ticket for $70 details
- The Haunted Dinner Tour for $80 details
- Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio for $55 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Antonio
It's easy to see why people visit San Antonio, given its family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Antonio typically cost an average of $36 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.
$36
The city has many museums and parks, and many visitors are excited to find so many things to do in San Antonio. Many people are most intrigued by the famous River Walk area. The River Walk runs on both sides of the scenic San Antonio River. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops along the walk and you can easily pass a few hours wandering through the area any time of the year. It's particularly popular in the evening when the nightlife is in full swing, but during the day it's fun to take a boat tour that will take you over the course of the river any time of the year. As the weather in Texas is generally warm all year round, San Antonio is one of the warmest places in the U.S. to visit in January.
Another very popular and famous sight in San Antonio is the Alamo. It's a historic mission which was the sight of the well known Battle of the Alamo in 1836. You can enter the building for free, but if you're in town on a popular weekend you should expect to wait in line for awhile. Inside there are several plaques and information boards that give you a history of the area. The grounds around the building have some very nice gardens which are also worth a visit.
San Antonio also hosts a couple of interesting festivals every year, some of the most well known being the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the Texas Folklife Festival. If you're on a Texas road trip, then you might want to plan your schedule to coincide with one of these fun and popular events.
Also nearby are Sea World and Six Flags, both of which are great places to visit, particularly if you're traveling with young children.
Museums and Attractions:
San Antonio is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.
A nice way to explore destinations in San Antonio 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:
- Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown for $35 details
- San Antonio E-Bike Tour: Murals, Street Art and Hidden Gems for $66 details
- Private Drunk History Tour: Featuring Texas' oldest hotel & saloon for $100 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in San Antonio, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Traveling in San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
The third largest city in Texas, San Antonio, has grown in recent years as a popular travel destination. It's a beautiful city that is strategically situated at the edge of Texas's Hill Country near the South Texas Plains and Prairie Lakes areas. The city holds on to its small town feel despite having a population of about 1.4 million and 2.3 million in the greater metropolitan area. The city holds tight to its Spanish and Mexican heritage, making it a fascinating cultural destination. The Hispanic population has much influence in the city and this makes it a fun and unique city to visit, particularly during Fiesta week, which is an annual celebration with parades, music and food.
San Antonio is known for its hot summers. It's not uncommon for temperatures to reach above 100 degree Fahrenheit between the months of May and September. Even during the spring or fall months, temperatures can stay uncomfortably hot. Winter is cool and rainy, but not unpleasant.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are a variety of neighborhoods throughout San Antonio and the metropolitan area. Alamo City is where you will find a high concentration of college students and families. The River Walk and Downtown areas are at the heart of the city's tourist industry. In these areas you will find a high concentration of restaurants, clubs, and entertainment. Alamo Heights is a wealthy, residential district with large and beautiful homes. There is also high end shopping and dining in this area. In the northeast and north central parts of the city you'll find a high concentration of families and chain restaurants or stores. King William and Southtown have trendy, urban settings with unique coffeeshops, art galleries, and theaters.
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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.
We loved the RiverWalk and really enjoyed visiting the Alamo. Nothing is too expensive, even the restaurants along the RiverWalk.