Which place is cheaper, San Diego or North Conway?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit North Conway or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit North Conway or San Diego? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: North Conway or San Diego?
North Conway
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.
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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNorth Conway $224San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $224, 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 North Conway and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNorth Conway $125San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNorth Conway $250San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in North Conway and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in North Conway 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: North Conway Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.North Conway $52San Diego $24
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: $240
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $188
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $176
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $149
- 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: $120
- 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 North Conway or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and North Conway 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 dayNorth Conway $64San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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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: $81
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter 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: $102
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.North Conway $38San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in North Conway
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.
- 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Littleton, NH: $39
- Kancamagus Highway: Audio Driving Tour: $12
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Driving Tour Guide: $17
- Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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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
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNorth Conway $33San 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
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
- 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 comparing the travel costs between North Conway and San Diego, we can see that North Conway 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is North Conway Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, North Conway or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 580 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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 North Conway 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 North Conway or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
North Conway is around the same temperature as San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, 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 North Conway. North Conway usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. North Conway gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, North Conway usually receives more rain than San Diego. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNorth Conway 69°F (20°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit North Conway or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and North Conway 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 Diego this time of year.
In the autumn, North Conway is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in North Conway in October average around 49°F (9°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, North Conway often gets less sunshine than San Diego. North Conway gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
North Conway usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNorth Conway 49°F (9°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit North Conway or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and San Diego. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in North Conway in the winter. In January, North Conway is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 21°F (-6°C), 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. North Conway usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. North Conway gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, North Conway usually receives more rain than San Diego. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNorth Conway 21°F (-6°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit North Conway or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as San Diego. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
North Conway is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, 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 North Conway this time of the year. In the spring, North Conway often gets less sunshine than San Diego. North Conway gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
North Conway usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNorth Conway 43°F (6°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and North Conway
| North Conway | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.