A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. San Francisco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.

Where Should I go: Phoenix or San Francisco?

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.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phoenix $113
    San Francisco $105
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phoenix $226
    San Francisco $210
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Phoenix 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.

Hotels in Phoenix


Hotels in San Francisco


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: Phoenix Hotel Prices and San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phoenix $28
    San Francisco $13

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:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phoenix $32
    San Francisco $37

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phoenix $13
    San Francisco $15

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.


When is the best time to visit Phoenix 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 Phoenix or San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. Phoenix is much warmer than San Francisco in the summer. The temperature in Phoenix is usually 98°F (36°C) in July, and San Francisco stays around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Phoenix usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Phoenix or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Phoenix 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 Francisco this time of year.

In the autumn, Phoenix is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phoenix in October are around 79°F (26°C), and San Francisco is about 63°F (17°C).

Phoenix usually gets less rain in October than San Francisco. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Phoenix or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and San Francisco. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Phoenix is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Temperatures in Phoenix average around 58°F (14°C), and San Francisco stays around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Phoenix usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Phoenix or San Francisco in the Spring?

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

Phoenix is much warmer than San Francisco in the spring. The temperature in Phoenix is usually 74°F (23°C) in April, and San Francisco stays around 58°F (14°C).

Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Phoenix

Phoenix San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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Phoenix vs. San Francisco Travel Comparison

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