A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Hong Kong or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a diverse , compact, and dense city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a eccentric, one-of-a-kind, and scenic coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Hong Kong and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Hong Kong. While Hong Kong is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and hiking, while Hong Kong is known for its nightlife. San Francisco is more touristy than Hong Kong and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Hong Kong is popular for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum.

How is Hong Kong different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in San Francisco are world-renowned. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hong Kong. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Hong Kong is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Hong Kong is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Hong Kong or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Hong Kong and San Francisco can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Hong Kong is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Hong Kong has something for everybody. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Hong Kong is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Francisco active and fun. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Hong Kong is not a live music destination.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Both Hong Kong and San Francisco have superb beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hong Kong. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hong Kong. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Hong Kong and San Francisco.

Known for shopping, Hong Kong draws large crowds to its stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

San Francisco is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Families?

Hong Kong and San Francisco are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

San Francisco is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Hong Kong and San Francisco.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

San Francisco has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Is Hong Kong or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

For even more information, also check out Is Hong Kong Worth Visiting? and Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Both Hong Kong and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Hong Kong. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Hong Kong than San Francisco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hong Kong that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Hong Kong 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 San Francisco.

One day in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Hong Kong is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and theater around the coastal city of San Francisco. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the eccentric big city of San Francisco. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Hong Kong is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eccentric coastal city of San Francisco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Hong Kong is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or San Francisco?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.