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

Should you visit Dublin or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or San Diego, 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or San Diego?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Diego than Dublin. San Diego is bigger than Dublin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Diego is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dublin is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. San Diego is more touristy than Dublin and is popular 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. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness.

How is Dublin different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Dublin and San Diego.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Diego. 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 Dublin or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dublin and San Diego.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

San Diego is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Dublin or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or San Diego Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Dublin or San Diego.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

San Diego has a thriving music scene. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Dublin or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Dublin 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.

Dublin is not a resort destination.

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

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dublin or San Diego Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around San Diego. 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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or San Diego?

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

Dublin is well-known for its shopping. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Dublin or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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

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

Many backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is terrific for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

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

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system 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 Dublin or San Diego a more walkable city?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or San Diego?

In either Dublin 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 Dublin. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Dublin. 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 Dublin. 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 Dublin 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 Dublin.

One day in Dublin or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Dublin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or San Diego?

You'll find live music and food around the friendly destination of Dublin. 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 great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dublin or San Diego?

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming city of Dublin. 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. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dublin or San Diego?

Dublin 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, 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 Dublin and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dublin 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 Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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 Dublin or San Diego?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dublin or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Dublin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dublin is cooler than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and San Diego. Many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Dublin is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dublin in October average around 11°C (52°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dublin as well as San Diego. Most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Dublin is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 6°C (42°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

Dublin is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Dublin