Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Baltimore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Baltimore or San Diego?
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 Baltimore and San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Baltimore or San Diego?
Baltimore
Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBaltimore $181San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $181, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 Baltimore and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBaltimore $93San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBaltimore $186San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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.
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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Baltimore $21San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:
- Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
- BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $74
- Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
- Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $107
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $107
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Private Tijuana International Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $176
- Private Transfer from San Diego City Hotels to San Diego Port : $74
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $188
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) Private Arrival Transfer: $38
- Private Airport SUV Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Baltimore 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
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Food Meals for one dayBaltimore $46San Diego $45
Typical Food prices in Baltimore
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point$76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.
- Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $58
- Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
- Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
- Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $91
- Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $91
- Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $99
- Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
- Platinum Package - Helicopter Tour with Dinner at Ruth's Chris or Capital Grille: $451
Typical Food prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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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:
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $75
- Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas: Little Italy Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $92
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $120
- San Diego Signature Dinner Cruise: $153
- San Diego Plated Dinner Cruise: $156
- Private Cooking Demonstration of Indian Fusion Cuisine in San Diego: $160
- Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour : $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Baltimore $18San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in Baltimore
Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Day Tour Shenandoah, Great Smoky National Parks from D.C: $481
- Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Baltimore Harbor Tour: $31
- Baltimore Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: $182
- Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $15
- Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $73
- Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $55
- Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $37
Typical Entertainment prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.38
- A La Jolla Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of California's Riviera: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Whaley House Museum Day Tour: $14
- Virtual Self-Guided Tour of Gaslamp Quarter: $15
- La Jolla Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- San Diego Gas Lamp: At your leisure & pace. An audio walking tour.: $15
- Drive the San Diego Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Ultimate La Jolla Self-Guided Combo Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBaltimore $17San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore
Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour: $33
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Baltimore Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
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:
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- San Diego Brewery Tour: $95
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $129
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
- Wine Tasting Sidecar 3-Hour Private Tour in San Diego: $165
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249
- Guided Temecula Wine Tour from San Diego: $259
When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Which is Bigger, Baltimore or San Diego?
San Diego is bigger, and its population is about 2 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the population of Baltimore vs. San Diego, 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 Baltimore or San Diego?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Baltimore or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Baltimore is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBaltimore 78°F (25°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and San Diego. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of 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, Baltimore is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than San Diego. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBaltimore 57°F (14°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as San Diego. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBaltimore 32°F (0°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Baltimore or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Baltimore is cooler than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than San Diego. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBaltimore 54°F (12°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Baltimore
| Baltimore | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (9°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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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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