Should you visit Phoenix or San Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and San Francisco 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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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.
Which city is cheaper, San Francisco or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $187, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $175. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Phoenix and San Francisco in more detail.
Local Transportation
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Transfer: Phoenix to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX):
$622
-
Private Transfer: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Phoenix:
$622
-
SUV Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Tucson:
$334
-
Sedan Airport One Way Transfer Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona or Tucson:
$309
-
Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$213
-
Airport VAN Phoenix One Way Transfer Phoenix Address:
$213
-
Phoenix Round Trip Private Airport-Hotel Transfer:
$176
-
Phoenix Airport Transfers : Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury Van:
$131
-
Phoenix Airport Transfers : Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van:
$131
-
Private Transfer to/from Phoenix Airport (PHX):
$128
-
Airport SUV Phoenix One Way Transfer Scottsdale Address:
$121
-
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$119
Typical Local Transportation prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
-
Taxi to SFO
$45
-
Golden Gate Bridge Toll
$6.00
-
Alcatraz Tour
$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Transfer from San Fransisco City To Carmel-by-the-Sea.:
$450
-
Private transfer from SFO to or from Sacramento (SUV):
$400
-
Private Airport Transfer From SFO to San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf:
$395
-
Private Airport Transfer from SFO To Carmel-by-the-Sea.:
$370
-
Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport:
$310
-
Private Airport Transfer from SFO to Yountville, Napa Valley:
$300
-
Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Napa Valley:
$270
-
SFO Roundtrip Airport Hotel Transfer:
$267
-
Private Airport Transfer from SFO to Sonoma Valley:
$255
-
Private Transfer from SFO to Napa:
$235
-
Oakland to San Francisco Downtown Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer:
$200
-
Private Airport Transfer from SFO To Walnut Creek.:
$200
Is it cheaper to fly into Phoenix or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco and Phoenix 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 day
Phoenix $42
San Francisco $32
Typical Food prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class:
$65
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:
-
San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide:
$15
-
Traveling Spoon Pad Thai and Papaya Salad Private Online Cooking Class:
$25
-
Chinatown Walking Food Tour:
$75
-
Cooking with Ale: let's make Tiramisu - private groups:
$80
-
San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market:
$80
-
American Cooking Class in San Francisco with a Local near Golden Gate Park:
$82
-
San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour:
$89
-
Russian Hill Gourmet Food Tour:
$97
-
I Can't Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown - Food Tour:
$98
-
Mamaz Social Food Arepa Class and Dinner:
$100
-
Private Tour: Secret Food Tours San Francisco:
$103
-
Hayes Valley Gourmet Food Tour:
$108
Entertainment
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
-
2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix:
$539
-
3-Day Sedona and Grand Canyon Rail Experience:
$820
-
4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience:
$650
-
A Day In The Old West Adventure including Horseback Ride and Cowboy Lunch:
$325
-
ATV Rentals and Tours:
$350
-
Apache Trail Full Day Small Group Tour:
$149
-
Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour:
$129
-
Awesome Instagram Tour of Phoenix:
$150
-
BYOB Pedal Bar Experience In Old Town Scottsdale:
$53
-
Biplane - 30 Minute Scenic Sightseeing Tour in Phoenix:
$250
-
Christmas | Holiday Lights ISM Zoomtown Lights 2 Hour Tour:
$320
-
Christmas | Holiday light Illuminations Symphony of lights only 2 hour Tours:
$320
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
-
1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:
$55
-
1-Hour Golden Gate and Lombard GoRide Scooter Tour:
$54
-
1HR San Francisco Chinatown and Downtown GoCar Tour:
$71
-
2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:
$79
-
2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Alcatraz:
$150
-
2-Day Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour from San Francisco:
$569
-
2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Night Tour:
$79
-
2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco:
$499
-
2-Day Yosemite National Park Winter Tour from San Francisco:
$589
-
2-day Monterey & Yosemite Small Group Tour from San Francisco:
$495
-
2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour:
$131
-
2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio GoRide Scooter Tour:
$82
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
-
Wine Tours, Airport Transportation and more!:
$100
-
Custom Arizona Brewery Tour:
$245
-
Scottsdale: Mountain Biking and Brewery Tour:
$250
-
From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Sedona Hiking & Wine Tasting Tour:
$275
-
Private Southern Arizona Wine Tour Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$997
-
Private Wine Tour from Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards:
$1,650
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
-
San Francisco Bar Hunt: Soul of San Francisco Bar Crawl:
$12
-
San Francisco North Beach Pub Crawl:
$60
-
Wine Tasting on the Bay:
$70
-
Half-Day Sonoma Wine Tour:
$100
-
Shore Excursion: Napa and Sonoma Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience Full-Day Tour:
$135
-
San Francisco City & Wine tour:
$140
-
Chariot wine tour:
$145
-
From Full-Day Sonoma Valley Wine Tour:
$149
-
Viticulture with Charm: Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco:
$149
-
Small Group Redwoods and Wine Country Trip Including Wine Tasting and Cave Tour:
$152
-
Small Group Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour:
$169
-
The Perfect Blend: Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour from San Francisco:
$169
When comparing the travel costs between Phoenix and San Francisco, we can see that Phoenix 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.
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