Travel Budget for San Francisco Visit San Francisco on a Budget or Travel in Style

San Francisco, California, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West / California /
Jump to  down-arrow

San Francisco is a beautiful coastal city known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

You should plan to spend around $256 per day on your vacation in San Francisco. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $79 on meals
  • $16 on local transportation
  • $261 on hotels

A one week trip to San Francisco for two people costs, on average, $3,584. 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $256
  • One Week Per person
    $1,792
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,584
  • One Month Per person
    $7,680
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,584
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $7,168
  • One Month For a couple
    $15,360
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Francisco cost?

A one week trip to San Francisco usually costs around $1,792 for one person and $3,584 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to San Francisco on average costs around $3,584 for one person and $7,168 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 Francisco will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to San Francisco on average costs around $7,680 for one person and $15,360 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is San Francisco expensive to visit?

San Francisco is a bustling coastal city known around the globe. It draws in travelers of all kinds from around the world, each with their own unique budgets and travel styles. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

San Francisco can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $101 per day, mid-range travelers spend $256 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $653 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Francisco.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, San Francisco is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Gatlinburg or Key Largo.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Francisco Expensive?

San Francisco, California San Francisco, California

How much money do I need for a trip to San Francisco?

The average San Francisco trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Francisco travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Francisco cost?

San Francisco on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$51 $130 $330
Local Transportation 1 $6.06 $16 $45
Food 2 $32 $79 $192
Entertainment 1 $15 $46 $155
Alcohol 2 $4-13 $11-33 $28-85

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to San Francisco, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $101 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Luckily, San Francisco offers plenty of hostels, including HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel, HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel, and Green Tortoise Hostel. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. The coastal city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits San Francisco, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to San Francisco. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $256 per person, per day.

In San Francisco, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Inn at Union Square is a fantastic option for families, and Club Donatello is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for San Francisco here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $653. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the coastal city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as San Francisco 2 or 3 Hour Private Group Open-air Jeep City Tour - offered by Viator.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Accommodation Budget in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $154, but during peak summer season, they can average $287. Prices range from $92 to $452, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in San Francisco for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $261. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $130 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $130
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $261

Hotels in San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in San Francisco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in San Francisco

The average hotel room price in San Francisco based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $154 in the low season and $287 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Francisco include:

  • Omni San Francisco starting at $221
  • Orchard Garden Hotel starting at $195
  • Orchard Hotel San Francisco starting at $191
  • Taj Campton Place starting at $235
  • Hotel Nikko San Francisco starting at $201
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in San Francisco

San Francisco features a wide range of accommodations, as it's a sizable coastal city. From hostels such as HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel to vacation rentals and upscale hotels, there's something for every traveler. However, expect higher prices near the city center, where public transit and attractions are readily available.

While San Francisco has an excellent public transit system that allows for staying farther from the coastal city, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.

In a family-friendly destination like San Francisco, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children. Rooms in this big city are often on the smaller side, which can make them feel a bit cramped.

Many visitors spend up to a week in San Francisco. If you're staying for an extended period of time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option that would allow you to prepare your own meals.

By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.

Walking is a favored way to experience San Francisco, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in San Francisco

San Francisco is a large coastal city, so transportation is key. Luckily, San Francisco has a great public transit network. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses. To save money, public transit is your best bet, but taxis and rideshares are also available for convenience.

Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (excellent)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $16 per person, per day, on local transportation in San Francisco. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Francisco is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $16

Transportation Tips

If you plan to use public transit frequently, consider getting multi-day transit passes to save a significant amount of money.

Be cautious of pickpockets on buses and trains, as well as in the stations. Remember, San Francisco is a bustling metropolis.

Planning to hike? It's a good idea to look into how to get to the trail since public transit may not take you directly there.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer from San Francisco to SFO for $125 details
  • Private Transfer from Downtown to San Francisco Airport for $37 details
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) Private Luxury Transfer for $130 details

Recommended Services


Flights to San Francisco
How much does it cost to go to San Francisco? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in San Francisco
The price of renting a car in San Francisco 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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in San Francisco?

The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in San Francisco, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30


Food Budget in San Francisco

The dining in San Francisco is truly world-class, and you should definitely experience it. Be sure to enjoy meals at local restaurants and sample some unique offerings. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in San Francisco can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Francisco is $79 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $79

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Francisco is around $79 ($79) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $192. 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 Francisco are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $24
  • Lunch: $12 to $32
  • Dinner: $24 to $55
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

Food in San Francisco is wonderful, and you'll have any number of international options throughout the city. There is no shortage of Asian restaurants. Specifically, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese are quite abundant. If you're looking for some great meals at a reasonable price then avoid eating in the Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf neighborhoods. These restaurants are overpriced and cater almost exclusively to tourists. Instead, head into some residential neighborhoods and you'll find some wonderful local restaurant options. If you're looking for good Mexican food, go to the Mission neighborhood which has some wonderful taquerias.

Food in San Francisco

Food & Dining Tips

You can save some cash by dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many eateries in tourist hotspots or business districts feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are frequently just smaller and less expensive versions of their dinner offerings. If you search in the right spots, you might even snag a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. After that, just enjoy a light meal for dinner.

If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.

Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.

If you want to experience the culture in San Francisco, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Melting Pot of the Mission District Food Tour for $80 details
  • San Francisco Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise for $196 details
  • San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour for $99 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Francisco

It's no wonder that tourists flock to San Francisco, as it is known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

Sights throughout San Francisco are plentiful. Some of the most famous places to visit in the city include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, the Piers along the water, and Lombard Street. In fact, all of these places are also fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, too.

The Painted Ladies are a famous and beautiful series of Victorian Row houses made popular by the San Francisco based sitcom, Full House. You can see them at Alamo Square along with a nice view of the city's skyline.

Furthermore, visitors can find plenty of hidden gems in San Francisco that can be found in local neighborhoods, and they make nice spots for picnics, a walk, shopping, or history buffs.

Some of the best parks in the city include Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, Mission Dolores Park, Baker Beach and China Beach. Several of the parks are also great spots for hikes in San Francisco where you can see amazing views over the ocean and of the skyline from a distance.



San Francisco is a large and vibrant city. It has no shortage of activities and events. There are boat tours of the bay, as well as concerts, shows and festivals throughout the year. For more information, read this article for a listing of some terrific and budget-friendly tours in San Francisco.

Popular festivals include the Haight Ashbury Street Fair, Chinese New Year, San Francisco Blues Festival, the International Film Festival and Bay to Breakers. With plenty of fun and unusual activities to do in San Francisco, you'll quickly learn why this city on the bay has earned its quirky reputation.

With so many things to do, it's really suggested that you spend at least a few days here. In fact, a 3-day itinerary of San Francisco is recommended so that you can see most of it.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in San Francisco have earned worldwide fame. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Beaches:
People travel to San Francisco in droves to relax on the stunning beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Hiking:
The hiking experiences around San Francisco are quite exceptional. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Shopping:
Shopping here is an enjoyable experience. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

A nice way to explore destinations in San Francisco 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:

  • Take a Walk with a Storyteller! The Surreal San Francisco Tour. For $32 details
  • San Francisco Private 2 or 3 Hour City Tuk Tuk Tour w/ Fun Guide for $189 details
  • North Beach: Gourmet Ghost Tour in San Francisco for $99 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in San Francisco

In San Francisco, you can find some nightlife options, but it isn't as lively as in other more popular tourist spots. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $22 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Francisco per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $22
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in San Francisco. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour + Alcatraz Tour & Aquarium Access for $279 details
  • Sausalito Food and Wine Tour for $255 details
  • Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco for $45 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for San Francisco

  • In peak season during summer, expect to see higher prices and an influx of visitors in the coastal city. To save some cash and avoid the crowds, think about visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Since San Francisco is quite expansive, you'll typically find a wide range of prices for hotels, food, and activities. By exploring your options, reserving in advance, and enjoying free attractions, you can keep your costs down.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're on the road with little ones, you'll probably want to consider a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be simpler to bypass the complications of public transit, but be prepared to spend a bit more.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about San Francisco.

How can you save money during your time in San Francisco?

I took the Muni or the city bus whenever I could since they are cheaper than taxis and tour buses. I think you could also save by eating at some of the cheaper fast-food places in the mall or away from the tourist areas.

Michael
-
Apr 7 2024

We used to live in San Francisco and the best way to save money is to buy multi-day transportation passes and eat away from the main touristy areas. Polk Street has a lot of great restaurants.

Beth_18
-
Jun 3 2023

Are you an experienced traveler?
Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels.

+ Add Comment

Related Articles
Best Things to Do in San FranciscoRomantic Wine Country AirBnB'sSan Francisco Hostels Near Union SquareLuxury Boutique Hotels in San FranciscoBest Hostels for Solo Travellers, Backpackers, and Groups in San FranciscoSafe and Affordable Hostels in San Francisco, California
Traveling in San Francisco
San Francisco San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco's climate is notoriously cool and foggy. The winters are damp while the summers are dryer but surprisingly chilly. Throughout the course of one day you can expect a variety of weather changes. Summer mornings often start with fog. Afternoons are warmer, but the chill and fog return again by the late afternoon. Winter is the rainy season, but temperatures are milder and sunny days may even have a warmer temperature than during the summer. Fall is a great time to visit because the fog is not a frequent and the rains have not yet arrived. San Francisco also has many microclimates that are created by the city's hills and coastal setting. It is not uncommon for one neighborhood to be experiencing dramatically different weather than another.

Be warned, summer days in San Francisco can get cold! (May to September) Pants and a light jacket are often required. While it doesn't actually rain very much, the fog affects the weather and brings in cold air from the sea, and you will get cold whether you believe it or not. The locals will be dressed for it, but you'll be chilly!



Neighborhoods & Around

San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods. Each has its own character and personality.

Union Square and the Financial Districts are notable with tourists as this is where you'll find many hotels, shopping areas, and some entertainment. Fisherman's Wharf is also a popular area with tourists. It sits on the waterfront and has many famous sights such as Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. Nob Hill is a notoriously upscale neighborhood, and from the top of the hill you can get great views of the bay and the financial district. Haight Ashbury is the crux of the "hippie" movement, although today it is little more than a tourist attraction along as well as a nice spot to grab some food and drinks. Golden Gate Park is also a wonderful place to explore, and Chinatown is a fun place to walk around and try dim sum dumplings.

Other neighborhoods that tourists frequent include North Beach, Castro, and Twin Peaks.

Related
Looking for a party hostel in Las Vegas or San Diego? Traveling alone to NYC or LA? Want a budget hostel in San Francisco?
More Related Articles
The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Fisherman's Wharf in San FranciscoThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by Ghiradelli Square in San FranciscoLos AngelesSan DiegoSacramentoPasadena

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.