Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Fairfield?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fairfield or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fairfield and San Diego can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fairfield or San Diego?
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairfield $131San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $131, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 Fairfield and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairfield $97San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairfield $194San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Fairfield or San Diego? 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.
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: Fairfield Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairfield -San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $239
- San Diego Private Transfer to Orange County, CA.: $223
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $188
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $177
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to Airport(SAN) in San Diego Downtown: $173
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $150
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Fairfield 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
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Food Meals for one dayFairfield $30San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour - Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $101
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
- Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fairfield $13San Diego $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairfield -San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gaslamp Bar Crawls and Events: $20
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $132
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairfield and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairfield Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairfield or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairfield. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Fairfield is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fairfield in July average around 73°F (23°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. Fairfield usually receives more sunshine than San Diego during summer. Fairfield gets 439 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Fairfield usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairfield 73°F (23°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Fairfield during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn 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, Fairfield is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 62°F (17°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fairfield. In the autumn, Fairfield often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Fairfield gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
Fairfield usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairfield 62°F (17°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and San Diego. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Fairfield is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, 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. Fairfield usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Fairfield gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Fairfield usually receives more rain than San Diego. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairfield 46°F (8°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as San Diego. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Fairfield is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fairfield in April average around 56°F (13°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. In the spring, Fairfield often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Fairfield gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Fairfield usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairfield 56°F (13°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Fairfield
| Fairfield | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.