A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Budapest 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 Budapest and San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Budapest and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or San Diego?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Diego than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than San Diego, San Diego has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Diego is better known for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Budapest is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. San Diego is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Budapest different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Budapest or San Diego?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and San Diego.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is the Food Better in Budapest or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Diego is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Diego has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Budapest and San Diego.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is great for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Diego draws a good crowd. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Budapest is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is great for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or San Diego?

Budapest is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Budapest or San Diego Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and San Diego are first-rate places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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

Budapest is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Budapest or San Diego a more walkable city?

Budapest is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or San Diego?

In either Budapest or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, San Diego has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Diego than Budapest. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Budapest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than Budapest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than San Diego if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.

One day in Budapest or San Diego?

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The coastal city of San Diego offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or San Diego?

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

San Diego is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or San Diego?

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Diego, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or San Diego?

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest is in Europe 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 Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or San Diego?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or San Diego?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Budapest or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. 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.

Budapest is around the same temperature as San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives more rain than San Diego. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. 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, Budapest is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and San Diego. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than San Diego. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as San Diego. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Budapest is cooler than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Budapest