Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit North Conway or San Francisco? 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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 Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $224, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNorth Conway $125San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNorth Conway $250San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in North Conway and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in North Conway or San Francisco? 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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.North Conway $52San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $557
- Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $410
- Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $343
- San Francisco (SFO) to Calistoga Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $294
- Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
- Transfer in private Minivan from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Downtown city: $183
- Private Transfer from Cruise Port to San Francisco Airport (SFO): $182
Is it cheaper to fly into North Conway or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 Francisco $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $83
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
- Mission District Food Tour: $89
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $90
- Secret Food Tour of North Beach and Chinatown: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.North Conway $38San Francisco $46
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
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 1-hour San Francisco Bay Area Photography Experience: $299
- 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
- 3 Hour Sightseeing Small Group Guided Tour in San Francisco: $89
- 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249
- 3hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $795
- 4-Hour Painted Ladies and Haight-Ashbury GoCar Tour: $272
- 8 Course Nano-Brewed Liqueur Experience by an SF Native: $100
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNorth Conway $33San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- San Francisco Bar Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $40
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
When comparing the travel costs between North Conway and San Francisco, 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, North Conway or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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.
When is the best time to visit North Conway or San Francisco?
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 Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, North Conway is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in North Conway in July average around 69°F (20°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).
In July, North Conway usually receives more rain than San Francisco. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNorth Conway 69°F (20°C)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit North Conway or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and North Conway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, North Conway is generally much colder than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 49°F (9°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
North Conway usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNorth Conway 49°F (9°C)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit North Conway or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and San Francisco. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
North Conway can be very cold during winter. North Conway is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).
In January, North Conway usually receives less rain than San Francisco. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNorth Conway 21°F (-6°C)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit North Conway or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as San Francisco. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In the spring, North Conway is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in North Conway in April average around 43°F (6°C), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).
North Conway usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNorth Conway 43°F (6°C)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and North Conway
| North Conway | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.