A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Atlanta or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or San Francisco, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Atlanta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Francisco is very popular for its theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta attracts visitors for its nightlife. San Francisco is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Francisco and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or San Francisco?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both San Francisco and Atlanta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in San Francisco that are not to be missed. 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.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Atlanta is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. 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.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Francisco active and fun. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Francisco. 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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or San Francisco?

If you're looking to go shopping, Atlanta and San Francisco both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Couples?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

San Francisco is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Students?

For students, both Atlanta and San Francisco are superb places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. 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.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or San Francisco?

Both Atlanta and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Atlanta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Atlanta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Francisco, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Atlanta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Francisco.

One day in Atlanta or San Francisco?

Atlanta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In San Francisco, you'll find food and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In San Francisco, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlanta. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. In San Francisco, you'll find theater and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco than you might in Atlanta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and San Francisco, 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 Atlanta or San Francisco?

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 Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Atlanta is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Atlanta is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Atlanta is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as San Francisco. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Atlanta is a little warmer than San Francisco in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Atlanta