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

Should you visit Delhi or San Francisco?

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

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

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, 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 Delhi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, 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 Delhi and San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Delhi and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Delhi 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 Delhi


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: Delhi Hotel Prices and San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.29
    San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.92
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.80
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Delhi to Jaipur transfer via Bharatpur and Ranthambore park visit: $300
  • 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Corbett National Park with Brunch: $224
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $189
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Dehradun Drop: $184
  • Evening Delhi city tour with pickup transfer: $183
  • 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $180
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Agra with Transfer & Ticket Included : $179
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $178
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $166
  • One Way Delhi To Udaipur Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Ajmer Drop: $147

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:

  • Airport Transfer: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Francisco: $107
  • Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury Car: $169
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Luxury SUV: $141
  • Arrival Transfer San Francisco Pier to San Francisco City by SUV: $177
  • Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport by Sedan: $152
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO in Business Car: $108
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • Private Airport SUV VIP Transfer from or to SFO to Marin County: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco and Delhi 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
    Delhi $12
    San Francisco $46
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
  • Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
  • Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
  • Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
  • Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50

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

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Agra Tour From Delhi with Fatehpur Sikri & bird Sanctuary: $130
  • 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
  • 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $205
  • 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
  • All Inclusive: Same day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $50
  • Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
  • Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
  • Delhi Agra and Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $220
  • Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
  • Full Day Old And New Delhi City Tour- All Inclusive : $38
  • Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days: $267

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

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

  • Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
  • San Francisco’s Chinatown on foot: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Leave your heart at the Wharf: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $5.99
  • San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $6.46
  • The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
  • Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Secrets of Golden Gate Park Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Design in the Financial District Audio Tour: $7.99

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
    Delhi $8.69
    San Francisco $22

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

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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or San Francisco?

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

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

Should I visit Delhi or San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Delhi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, 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.

The heat can be very extreme in Delhi. In the summer, Delhi is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Delhi in July average around 31°C (88°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Delhi or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Also, 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.

In October, Delhi is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 26°C (79°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Delhi usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Delhi or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Delhi as well as San Francisco. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Delhi is a little warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Delhi usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Delhi or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi 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 the spring, Delhi is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Delhi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Delhi usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Delhi

Delhi San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)