Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beirut or San Francisco?
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 Francisco. 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 Francisco?
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 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26San Francisco $130
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Beirut and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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.
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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44San Francisco $16
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: $46
- 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
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $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
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:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $119
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco Airport to City: $35
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $120
- San Francisco to/from Yosemite National Park: 1-Way Transfer: $169
- San Francisco to Yosemite One-Way Transfer: $169
- San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
- San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $150
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $346
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $561
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 Francisco $46
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
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
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:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26San Francisco $46
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- Private Walking Tour in Muir Woods and Tickets : $20
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
- 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
- 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $172
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
- 3 in 1 Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito & Half Day Wine Country Visit: $189
- 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249
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 dayBeirut $0.23San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 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 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 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 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or San Francisco?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or San Francisco?
San Francisco 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 Francisco in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Beirut is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In July, Beirut usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Beirut or San Francisco in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beirut as well as San Francisco. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco 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 October, Beirut is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Beirut usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Beirut or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco 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, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
Beirut is a little warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
It's quite rainy in Beirut. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Beirut or San Francisco in the Spring?
Both San Francisco 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Beirut is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).
Beirut usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Beirut
| Beirut | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 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.