Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Fairfield?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fairfield or San Francisco?
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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
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 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 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 Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $131, 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 Fairfield and San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairfield $97San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairfield $194San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Fairfield 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.
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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairfield -San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $557
- Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $410
- Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $343
- San Francisco (SFO) to Calistoga Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $294
- Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
- Transfer in private Minivan from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Downtown city: $183
- Private Transfer from Cruise Port to San Francisco Airport (SFO): $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 Francisco $46
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
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
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $83
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
- Mission District Food Tour: $89
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $90
- Secret Food Tour of North Beach and Chinatown: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fairfield $13San Francisco $46
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 1-hour San Francisco Bay Area Photography Experience: $299
- 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
- 3 Hour Sightseeing Small Group Guided Tour in San Francisco: $89
- 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249
- 3hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $795
- 4-Hour Painted Ladies and Haight-Ashbury GoCar Tour: $272
- 8 Course Nano-Brewed Liqueur Experience by an SF Native: $100
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairfield -San Francisco $22
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 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
- San Francisco Bar Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $40
- 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
- The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- 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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairfield and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 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 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairfield or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Fairfield. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield or San Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Fairfield is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 73°F (23°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In July, Fairfield usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairfield 73°F (23°C)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and Fairfield during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
Fairfield is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Fairfield usually gets less rain in October than San Francisco. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairfield 62°F (17°C)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and San Francisco. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Fairfield is cooler than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairfield in January average around 46°F (8°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
In January, Fairfield usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Francisco. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairfield 46°F (8°C)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as San Francisco. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Fairfield is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 56°F (13°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Fairfield usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Francisco. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairfield 56°F (13°C)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Fairfield
| Fairfield | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 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.