A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bogota vs. San Francisco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bogota or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota 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: Bogota or San Francisco?

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Bogota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $52, 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 Bogota and San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bogota $26
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bogota $52
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Bogota and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Bogota 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 Bogota


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: Bogota Hotel Prices and San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bogota $8.61
    San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.42
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.39
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
  • Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
  • Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
  • Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
  • Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
  • Bogotá Graffiti Bike Tour - No Transfers: $80
  • El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39

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 Bogota or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco and Bogota 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
    Bogota $13
    San Francisco $46
Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

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

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131

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.
    Bogota $13
    San Francisco $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.29

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bogotá Architecture Private Tour (6 Hrs.): $149
  • Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
  • La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
  • *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
  • 3 days- private tour Chingaza-Guatavita Savannah Expedition: $60
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour and Musical Picnic in the Heart of Ibague: $23
  • 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
  • 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
  • 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
  • 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
  • 6 hour Private City Tour through Bogotá (Con Monserrate): $134

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 day
    Bogota $14
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103

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 Bogota and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bogota is in South America 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.

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


Which is Bigger, Bogota or San Francisco?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Bogota 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 Bogota or San Francisco?

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

Should I visit Bogota or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bogota and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round. Furthermore, 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.

In July, Bogota is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 14°C (57°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Bogota usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bogota gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bogota or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bogota as well as San Francisco. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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.

Bogota is cooler than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bogota averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bogota usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Bogota gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bogota or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Bogota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bogota is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bogota in January average around 14°C (57°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Bogota usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Bogota gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Bogota or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Bogota during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bogota is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 15°C (59°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Bogota usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Bogota gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bogota 15°C (59°F) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Bogota

Bogota San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)