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

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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.

Where Should I go: Atlanta or San Francisco?

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 Francisco

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.

Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Atlanta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $173, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlanta and San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlanta $90
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlanta $180
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta or San Francisco? 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 Francisco


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 Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlanta $44
    San Francisco $16
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:

  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $275
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
  • Roundtrip Transfer to Harrah's Cherokee Casino: $75
  • Private Transfer in Atlanta (ATL) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $60
  • Transfer in executiveprivate vehicle from Atlanta Airport(ATL) -Atlanta Downtown: $53
  • San Jose Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Jose Costa: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer to Atlanta Airport (ATL): $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in San Francisco

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


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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

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

  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO To Carmel-by-the-Sea.: $650
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $551
  • Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Napa Valley: $430
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • Private Airport Transfer from SFO to Sonoma Valley: $400
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $296
  • Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from San Francisco International Airport: $199
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $174
  • Private Transfer from SFO to San Francisco: $159
  • San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $150
  • San Francisco to Yosemite One-Way Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $43
    San Francisco $46
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:

  • Atlanta Wood-Fired Pizza Making Class with Classpop!: $55
  • Two Hour Historic Market Food Tour with Biscuit Class: $65
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • Food Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine: $80
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

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

  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • SF: Mission District Mural Art and Food Tour with Tasting: $79
  • Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour: $79
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $81
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $86
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $86
  • San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco Food Tour: North Beach, Chinatown & Beyond: $89
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlanta $56
    San Francisco $46

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

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

  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $65
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $159
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car: $45
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
  • Art on the Streets: Private Atlanta Street Art Tour: $155
  • Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
  • Atlanta Beltline Cocktails and Bites Experience: $129
  • Atlanta Braves Baseball Game Ticket at Truist Park: $34

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

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

  • "Let's Walk Around San Francisco" Family Tour: $422
  • (30-40Min) Airplane San Francisco Bay Flight Tour: $279
  • 1.5-hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour: $99
  • 1HR San Francisco Chinatown and Downtown GoCar Tour: $97
  • 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $85
  • 2 or 3 Hour Private Group San Francisco City Tour Open-air Jeep: $169
  • 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz: $157
  • 2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Free Chinatown Tour: $81
  • 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco: $489
  • 2-Day Yosemite National Park Winter Tour from San Francisco: $559
  • 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
  • 2-Hour Sunset or Evening Private Jeep Tour of San Francisco: $169

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlanta $17
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour in Atlanta: $12
  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • VIP Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $65
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120
  • Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

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

  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $45
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • San Francisco Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
  • Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour Including Castello Di Amorosa Winery: $125
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Napa and Sonoma Valley: $129
  • The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or San Francisco?

San Francisco is bigger, and its population is about 73% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the population of Atlanta vs. 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 and the activities 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. 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and San Francisco. 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Atlanta or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as San Francisco. 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Atlanta

Atlanta San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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.
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Atlanta vs. San Francisco Travel Comparison

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