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

Should you visit Paris or San Diego?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed 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.

Paris and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than San Diego. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Diego attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. San Diego is famous for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is renowned for its historical sights. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Paris or San Diego Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for its theatre productions. However, San Diego is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

San Diego is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is renowned 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.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Paris is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or San Diego Better for Music?

Paris is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

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 Paris or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a resort destination.

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

San Diego is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in San Diego. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is great for hiking. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or San Diego?

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

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or San Diego Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, San Diego does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

San Diego does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or San Diego Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or San Diego.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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.

Is Paris or San Diego Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and San Diego make for a amazing place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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.

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

Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Paris or San Diego Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and San Diego are amazing places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

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

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or San Diego a more walkable city?

Paris is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Paris?

How long in Paris or San Diego?

In either Paris or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

Families should spend more time in Paris than San Diego. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paris than San Diego. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than San Diego 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or San Diego?

People visit Paris 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.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or San Diego?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or San Diego?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or San Diego?

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic destination of San Diego. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and San Diego, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is San Diego much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe 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 San Diego would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Diego 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in San Diego.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or San Diego?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. 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.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than San Diego. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Paris is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°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, Paris often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and San Diego. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°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. Paris usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives more rain than San Diego. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as San Diego. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°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, Paris often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 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 Paris