A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Atlanta or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or San Diego, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Atlanta or San Diego?

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

Which city is cheaper, San Diego or Atlanta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $136, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $161. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $72
    San Diego $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $144
    San Diego $182
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta or San Diego? 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 Atlanta


Hotels in San Diego


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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $34
    San Diego $19
Typical Local Transportation prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Atlanta to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Int. Airport (ATL): $622
  • Private Transfer: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Int. Airport (ATL) to Atlanta: $622
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Atlanta Airport - Camp Cove Crest: $433
  • Departure Private Transfer Atlanta City to Hartsfield Airport ATL by Minibus: $225
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Hotel by Executive SUV: $194
  • Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta City to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury Car: $183
  • Atlanta Airport Transfers : Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta City in Luxury Car: $174
  • Private Atlanta Airport Roundtrip Transfer by Van: $165
  • Atlanta Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $145
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Hotel by Executive Sedan: $145
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
  • Individual transfer from Atlanta ATL airport to Atlanta: $124

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport (SAN): $622
  • Private transfer: San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego: $622
  • San Diego Private Transfer To N. Hollywood/Burbank area.: $398
  • Tijuana Border Crossing Private Transfer To Los Angeles.: $398
  • San Diego Private Transfer To Palm Springs.: $398
  • Private Transfer from San Diego to Hollywood Burbank: $397
  • San Diego Private Transfer To Los Angeles.: $389
  • San Diego to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $357
  • San Diego to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $342
  • Private Transfer From San Diego To Orange County.: $298
  • Private San Diego Transfer: Cruise Port to Airport or Hotel: $192
  • Private San Diego Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego and Atlanta 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
    Atlanta $33
    San Diego $36
Typical Food prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

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

  • 2.5-Hour History and Food Tour in Atlanta: $75
  • Atlanta's Southern Food Tour: $86
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Atlanta: $116
  • Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $249

Typical Food prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

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

  • San Diego North Park Food Tour: $49
  • Liberty Station Food Tour: $49
  • Market and Guacamole Cooking Class in Tijuana Mexico: $89
  • Private Cooking Demonstration of Indian Fusion Cuisine in San Diego: $96
  • Farmers Market Tour & Social Cooking With A Chef: $100
  • San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours San Diego: $129
  • Secret Food Tours San Diego w/ Private Tour Option: $277

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlanta $45
    San Diego $38

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • 3 Hour Hollywood of the South Private Atlanta Film Locations Tour: $136
  • 3 Hour Private Gone With the Wind Tour of Margaret Mitchell's Atlanta: $136
  • 6-Day Charleston+North Carolina+Tennessee Tour (Atlanta departure)(G6): $888
  • A City in a Forest: Private Atlanta Nature Tour: $136
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Public and Street Art Tour: $136
  • Atlanta Beltline Small Group Walking Tour: $38
  • Atlanta Black History and Civil Rights Tour: $67
  • Atlanta Brew Bus Tour: $71
  • Atlanta City Private Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Bus: $700
  • Atlanta City Tour by Convertible: $77
  • Atlanta City Tour by Luxury Car: $65
  • Atlanta Heart & Soul Tour by Luxury Car: $65

Typical Entertainment prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
  • 1Hr GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
  • 2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two: $77
  • 4 Hour Whale Watching/Eco Adventure: $163
  • Affordable, Luxury Sailing Tour of San Diego's Bay and Coastal Waterways: $112
  • All Day San Diego City and Shopping Tour: $95
  • All Inclusive Beer Tour-Party bus: $169
  • Behind-the-Scenes at Petco Park Tour: $23
  • Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego's Questionable Past: $69
  • Catamaran Sailing Cruise on San Diego Bay for up to 12 Guests: $1,200
  • Catamaran Sailing Cruise on San Diego Bay for up to 6 Guests: $600
  • Coastal Beauty - Private Sunset & Night Photography Tour: $455

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $14
    San Diego $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

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

  • Atlanta Bar Hunt: All About Atlanta Bar Crawl: $12
  • Atlanta 5-Hour VIP Brewery Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Atlanta Brewery Guided Tours: $65
  • Three Vineyard Classic Wine Tasting Tour: $165
  • Explore Rabun County - Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $170
  • Georgia Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting: $204
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour of Three Vineyards: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $12
  • Wine Tasting Or Beer Tasting: $15
  • San Diego Brewery Tour: $85
  • San Diego Micro Brewery Tour: $91
  • The San Diego Downtown Craft Brewery Tour: $95
  • The San Diego Downtown Craft Brewery Tour: $101
  • Private San Diego Brewery Tour: $107
  • All inclusive brewery tour-Fire Truck: $189
  • Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego.: $249
  • Private Wine Tour of Temecula from San Diego: $475

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Atlanta.


When is the best time to visit Atlanta or San Diego?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and San Diego stays around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than San Diego. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Atlanta is around the same temperature as San Diego in the autumn. The temperature in Atlanta is usually 66°F (19°C) in October, and San Diego stays around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and San Diego. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Atlanta is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January are around 45°F (7°C), and San Diego is about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than San Diego. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as San Diego. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In April, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and San Diego stays around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Atlanta

Atlanta San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)


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Atlanta vs. San Diego Travel Comparison

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