Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Podgorica?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Podgorica or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Podgorica or San Diego, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Podgorica or San Diego?
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPodgorica $112San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Podgorica is $112, 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 Podgorica and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPodgorica $49San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPodgorica $98San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Podgorica and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Podgorica 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: Podgorica Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Podgorica $21San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Private transfer from Podgorica Airport or city to Tirana Airport: $274
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $263
- Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $252
- Tivat to Podgorica one way transfer: $210
- Kotor to Podgorica one way transfer: $205
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Herceg Novi: $156
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat Airport (TIV): $136
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $109
- Private transfer from Airport Podgorica and city to Kotor: $109
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $108
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: $40
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $47
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $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 Podgorica or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Podgorica 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 dayPodgorica $43San 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:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Podgorica $22San Diego $48
Tours and Activities in Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $335
- ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $196
- Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $241
- Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $157
- Bjelasica – Troglava – Zekova glava - Hiking Tour: $260
- Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Cheese farm tour in the katun: $281
- Durmitor - Black Lake & Tara River Canyon - North Montenegro tour: $226
- Durmitor National Park, Northern Fairy Tail -private tour from Podgorica: $180
- Durmitor mountain - Glacial lakes - Montenegro hiking tours: $208
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.
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Sights of San Diego Harbor: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
- San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPodgorica $21San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
- Book Your Wine Tour: $78
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
- Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197
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:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Podgorica and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Podgorica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Podgorica 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 Podgorica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Podgorica 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Podgorica.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Podgorica Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Podgorica or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Podgorica 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 Podgorica 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 Podgorica or San Diego in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Podgorica as well as San Diego. Additionally, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Podgorica is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Podgorica in July average around 26°C (80°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In the summer, Podgorica often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Podgorica gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
Podgorica usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Podgorica gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPodgorica 26°C (80°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Podgorica or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Podgorica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Podgorica is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Podgorica average around 17°C (63°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Podgorica gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. In October, Podgorica usually receives more rain than San Diego. Podgorica gets 166 mm (6.5 in) 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 OctoberPodgorica 17°C (63°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Podgorica or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Podgorica during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Podgorica is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Podgorica averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Podgorica often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Podgorica gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. Podgorica usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Podgorica gets 192 mm (7.6 in) 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 JanuaryPodgorica 6°C (42°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Podgorica or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Podgorica and San Diego. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In the spring, Podgorica is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Podgorica in April average around 14°C (58°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Podgorica usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Podgorica gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Podgorica usually receives more rain than San Diego. Podgorica gets 144 mm (5.7 in) 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 AprilPodgorica 14°C (58°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Podgorica
| Podgorica | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.