A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. San Francisco for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Bali or San Francisco?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Bali and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Bali, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Bali is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Bali is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Bali different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for its theatre productions. However, Bali is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Bali is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Bali and San Francisco offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is very good for its live music scene. However, Bali is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Bali is not a live music destination.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

The beaches in Bali are among the best in the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bali. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Bali has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Bali is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Bali or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a well-known place for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

San Francisco is very popular with students. 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.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

San Francisco has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Bali?

How long in Bali or San Francisco?

Both Bali and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Bali. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

One day in Bali or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Bali. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

San Francisco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a scenic big city where you can fill many days. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a beautiful coastal city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and San Francisco is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as San Francisco. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Bali usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bali is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Bali usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Bali is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Bali usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Francisco. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Bali usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Bali