Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beirut or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and San Diego. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or San Diego?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.25San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.25, 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 Beirut and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26San Diego $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Beirut and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $47
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Airport Transfer and Pickup Services in Beirut: $13
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $47
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $113
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $249
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- One Way Airport Hotel Shuttle Transfer: $68
- San Diego hotel/address to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $77
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Transfer to San Diego downtown: $90
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $195
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71San Diego $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Motorbike Tour with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86
- Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $93
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
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:
- North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $68
- Tijuana Street Food Tour for Foodies: $79
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- Private French Cooking Class in La Jolla with Andrea: $88
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- walking Food Tour with Secret Dish: $108
- Buffet Fall-Themed Dinner Cruise with Drinks: $108
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV Adventure Half Day Guided Tour: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $263
- Ancient Wonders: Baalbek, Anjar & Chateau Ksara Tour with Lunch: $55
- Baalback Roman temples tour: $128
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Beirut : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour With Guide: $69
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $35
- Beirut City Tour with Street Food : $90
- Beirut Downtown, Corniche and National Museum Tour: $64
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.
- Gaslamp Quarter to Little Italy Tour: $39
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego and Old Town: $62
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park: $86
- 2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
- 2.5 Hour Bay Tour on the Largest Catamaran in San Diego: $61
- 2.5-Hour Catamaran Sail Adventure: $119
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bekaa Valley Wine Tour: Savour Lebanon's Finest: $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $84
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $106
- Wine Tasting Tour: $160
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:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Gaslamp Bar Crawl: $15
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $117
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- San Diego to Ensenada Wine tour Guadalupe Valley/fauna restaurant: $160
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and San Diego 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or San Diego?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Beirut or San Diego?
San Diego has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or San Diego in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
Beirut is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than San Diego during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut usually receives more rain than San Diego. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Beirut or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beirut as well as San Diego. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers 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.
In the autumn, Beirut is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the autumn, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Beirut or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Beirut. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than San Diego. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Beirut or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Beirut during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Beirut is around the same temperature as San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the spring, Beirut often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Beirut
| Beirut | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.