Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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: Montevideo or San Diego?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $64San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $64, 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 Montevideo and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $40San Diego $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $80San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.38San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
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: $241
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $151
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- 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: $121
- Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $14San Diego $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98
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:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $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: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $120
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $120
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- City tour Montevideo: $27
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
- "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: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 2 hr. Downtown and Balboa Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
- 2Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Old Town: $82
- 3 Hours Guided Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience in San Diego: $139
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
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
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- 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 Montevideo and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and San Diego 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or San Diego?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or San Diego?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but San Diego has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Montevideo or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Montevideo 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 January, Montevideo is generally a little warmer than San Diegoin July. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than San Diegoin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Montevideo 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.
Montevideo is cooler than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C)in October.
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Diegoin October. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets more rain in April than San Diegoin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and San Diego. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Montevideo is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than San Diegoin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Montevideo or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo 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 October, Montevideo is generally around the same temperature as San Diegoin April. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 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 Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than San Diegoin April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than San Diegoin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Montevideo
| Montevideo | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 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.