A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Manchester or San Diego?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a outdoorsy, idyllic, and fun-filled coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Manchester and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego than Manchester. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Diego is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Manchester attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. San Diego is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or San Diego.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Manchester or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Manchester has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. 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 Manchester or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Manchester and San Diego.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or San Diego Better for Music?

Manchester and San Diego are both destinations where visitors can find high quality live music.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Manchester or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

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

San Diego is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. 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.

Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Manchester or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is very popular for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is great for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or San Diego?

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

Manchester is well-known for its shopping. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Manchester or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego has plenty to offer. 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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

For backpackers, both Manchester and San Diego are nice places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Manchester or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit San Diego. 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

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

The public transit in Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or San Diego a more walkable city?

Manchester and San Diego are nice when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or San Diego?

In either Manchester or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

One day in Manchester or San Diego?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the hip coastal city of San Diego, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or San Diego?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of San Diego, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Manchester or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Manchester. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

San Diego, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or San Diego?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

San Diego is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and San Diego, we can see that Manchester 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. Even though Manchester is in Europe and San Diego is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Manchester is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than San Diego. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manchester is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and San Diego. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. Manchester is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) 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. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than San Diego. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as San Diego. The activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Manchester is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Manchester