Which city is cheaper, San Francisco or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
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.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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