A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Jacksonville or San Diego?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and San Diego. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Jacksonville or San Diego?

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

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.

Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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.

Hotels in Jacksonville


Hotels in San Diego


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    San Diego $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Port Canaveral: $579
  • Private Transfer from Ponte Vedra Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $518
  • Private Transfer from Saint Johns to Port Canaveral: $502
  • Private Transfer from Ponte Vedra Beach to Port Canaveral: $502
  • Private Transfer from Ponte Vedra Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $442
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $402
  • Private Transfer from Saint Johns to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $402
  • Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $398
  • Private Transfer from Saint Johns to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $398
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $338
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $198
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego APT-HTL(SAN): $47
  • Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $47
  • Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $47
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
  • Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Airport SUV Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    San Diego $45

Typical Food prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • 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
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $92
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
  • New Year's Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
  • New Year's Eve Early Buffet Dinner: $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    San Diego $48

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 4 Hours Fishing Charter Experience in Jacksonville Beach: $500
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $100
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
  • Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour: $100
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $100
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50

Typical Entertainment prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • 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
  • Rudolph's Holiday Lights Tour of San Diego: $56
  • "Drink, Mingle, & Dance!" Club Tour (4 clubs included): $35
  • "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
  • 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: $40
  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
  • 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
  • 2 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park: $82
  • 2 Hour Private Pink Boat Charter in San Diego. Sightseeing tour: $450
  • 2 Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    San Diego $21

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:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • Halloween Bar Crawl in Pacific Beach: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • San Diego Brewery Tour: $95
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour - Vino! Vino! : $119
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $129
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $130
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Wine Tasting Sidecar 2.5-Hour Private Tour in San Diego: $165
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and San Diego, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or San Diego?

San Diego is bigger, and its population is about 53% larger than the population of Jacksonville. When comparing the population of Jacksonville vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and San Diego. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In July, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than San Diego. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as San Diego. Additionally, many travelers 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.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Jacksonville is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than San Diego. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Jacksonville

Jacksonville San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 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.
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Jacksonville vs. San Diego Travel Comparison

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