Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Palm Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for California Palm Springs vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs and San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Palm Springs or San Diego?
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalm Springs $206San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Palm Springs is $206, 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 Palm Springs and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalm Springs $120San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalm Springs $240San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Palm Springs and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Palm Springs 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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palm Springs $52San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) Private Arrival Transfer: $38
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $47
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Private Tijuana International Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer: $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Palm Springs or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Palm Springs 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 dayPalm Springs $53San 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:
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $75
- Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas: Little Italy Food Tour: $76
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $92
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $120
- San Diego Signature Dinner Cruise: $153
- San Diego Plated Dinner Cruise: $156
- Private Cooking Demonstration of Indian Fusion Cuisine in San Diego: $160
- Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour : $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palm Springs $29San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- PS I Love You Palm Springs Immersive Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $35
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Desert Healing Experience: $155
- Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $139
- Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $119
- Game-Guided Walking Tour in Scavenger Hunt + Trivia: $38
- Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour : $209
- Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour: $209
- Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour: $149
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure: $199
- Modern & More Bike Tours Palm Springs: $99
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.
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.38
- A La Jolla Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of California's Riviera: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Whaley House Museum Day Tour: $14
- San Diego Gas Lamp: At your leisure & pace. An audio walking tour.: $15
- La Jolla Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Virtual Self-Guided Tour of Gaslamp Quarter: $15
- Drive the San Diego Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Ultimate La Jolla Self-Guided Combo Tour: $17
- San Diego Embarcadero Waterfront Ghost Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalm Springs $13San 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:
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- San Diego Brewery Tour: $95
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $129
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $132
- Wine Tasting Sidecar 3-Hour Private Tour in San Diego: $165
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $199
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Guided Temecula Wine Tour from San Diego: $259
When comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and San Diego, we can see that Palm Springs 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, Palm Springs or San Diego?
San Diego is bigger, and its population is about 28.6 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the population of Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or San Diego?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Palm Springs or San Diego in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as San Diego. Additionally, 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, Palm Springs is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palm Springs in July average around 73°F (23°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
Palm Springs usually gets less rain in July than San Diego. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPalm Springs 73°F (23°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Palm Springs or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Palm Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, Palm Springs is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 69°F (20°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In October, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than San Diego. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPalm Springs 69°F (20°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Palm Springs or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Palm Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
Palm Springs is around the same temperature as San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Palm Springs usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPalm Springs 57°F (14°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Palm Springs or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and San Diego. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Palm Springs is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palm Springs in April average around 62°F (17°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
In April, Palm Springs usually receives more rain than San Diego. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPalm Springs 62°F (17°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Palm Springs
| Palm Springs | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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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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