A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. San Francisco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Cleveland or San Francisco?

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

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

Cleveland

Located on the shores of Lake Erie of the Great Lakes, Cleveland is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. As a culturally diverse and thriving metropolitan area, the city is host to a vast range of sights and activities, such as world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and golf courses as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.

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.

Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Cleveland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $132, 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 Cleveland and San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland 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 Cleveland


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices and San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation prices in Cleveland

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


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

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
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco APT-HTL (SFO): $119
  • Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco City to Airport: $55
  • Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco Airport to City: $55
  • Private Transfer from SFO Airport: $66
  • San Francisco to/from Yosemite National Park: 1-Way Transfer: $149
  • San Francisco to Yosemite One-Way Transfer: $149
  • San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $150
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $175
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $556
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) Private Round trip Transfer: $85
  • Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Airport in San Francisco: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco and Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
    San Francisco $46
Typical Food prices in Cleveland

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


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $85

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:

  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • SF: Mission District Mural Art and Food Tour with Tasting: $79
  • Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour: $79
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $82
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $86
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • San Francisco Food Tour: North Beach and Chinatown : $89
  • Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco Food Tour: North Beach, Chinatown & Beyond: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cleveland $40
    San Francisco $46

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $32
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories: $28

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.

  • "Let's Walk Around San Francisco" Family Tour: $425
  • (30-40Min) Airplane San Francisco Bay Flight Tour: $279
  • 1.5-hour San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour: $99
  • 1HR San Francisco Chinatown and Downtown GoCar Tour: $97
  • 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $85
  • 2 or 3 Hour Private Group San Francisco City Tour Open-air Jeep: $169
  • 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz: $157
  • 2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Free Chinatown Tour: $81
  • 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco: $489
  • 2-Day Yosemite National Park Winter Tour from San Francisco: $559
  • 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
  • 2.5 Hour San Francisco Wharf and Waterfront Segway Tour: $89

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
    Cleveland $45
    San Francisco $22
Typical Alcohol prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Cleveland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cleveland:

  • Cleveland Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $30
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $45
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $119
  • From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $119
  • Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour Including Castello Di Amorosa Winery: $125
  • San Francisco Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
  • The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or San Francisco?

San Francisco is bigger, and its population is about 63% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the population of Cleveland vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cleveland or San Francisco?

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 Cleveland or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and San Francisco. 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, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as San Francisco. 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.

Cleveland is cooler than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Cleveland during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cleveland is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Cleveland

Cleveland San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Cleveland
Washington vs. San Francisco
Clearwater vs. Cleveland
Clearwater vs. San Francisco
Fort Lauderdale vs. Cleveland
Fort Lauderdale vs. San Francisco
Gainesville vs. Cleveland
Gainesville vs. San Francisco
Jacksonville vs. Cleveland
Jacksonville vs. San Francisco
Miami vs. Cleveland
Miami vs. San Francisco
Orlando vs. Cleveland
Orlando vs. San Francisco
Saint Petersburg vs. Cleveland
Saint Petersburg vs. San Francisco
Tallahassee vs. Cleveland
Tallahassee vs. San Francisco
Tampa vs. Cleveland
Tampa vs. San Francisco
Atlanta vs. Cleveland
Atlanta vs. San Francisco
Savannah vs. Cleveland
Savannah vs. San Francisco
New Orleans vs. Cleveland
New Orleans vs. San Francisco
Baltimore vs. Cleveland
Baltimore vs. San Francisco
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Cleveland vs. San Francisco Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.