A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Raleigh vs. San Antonio for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Raleigh or San Antonio?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or San Antonio? 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a colorful, festive, and fun city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Raleigh and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Raleigh or San Antonio?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Antonio than Raleigh. San Antonio is bigger than Raleigh, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Antonio is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Raleigh is more popular for its big city activities. San Antonio is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Also, San Antonio is famous for The Alamo. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Raleigh or San Antonio?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.


Is the Food Better in Raleigh or San Antonio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Raleigh
San Antonio

Both Raleigh and San Antonio offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around San Antonio. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Raleigh
San Antonio

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Raleigh and San Antonio.

Raleigh has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for Music?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its music scene. However, Raleigh is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Raleigh is not a live music destination.


Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio offers a nice historic old town area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or San Antonio?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to San Antonio to go shopping. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Raleigh does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to San Antonio during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Raleigh does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for Families?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Antonio is a very family-friendly destination. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

San Antonio is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or San Antonio Better for Students?

Raleigh
San Antonio

Raleigh is a great destination for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.


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

Raleigh
San Antonio

San Antonio is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Raleigh
San Antonio

Raleigh and San Antonio both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Raleigh is generally not very walkable. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Raleigh Worth Visiting? and Is San Antonio Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Raleigh and San Antonio. In our opinion, San Antonio has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Antonio than Raleigh. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Antonio than Raleigh 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 San Antonio.


  • How many days in Raleigh or San Antonio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Raleigh 2-3 
    San Antonio 2-3

One day in Raleigh or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the suburban-style city of Raleigh. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In San Antonio, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Raleigh or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Raleigh. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In San Antonio, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Antonio has to offer.

Five days in Raleigh or San Antonio?

The southern city of Raleigh offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Raleigh or San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Raleigh. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Antonio. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting San Antonio. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Antonio or Raleigh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $189, while the average daily cost in San Antonio is $132. 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 Raleigh and San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Raleigh $104
    San Antonio $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Raleigh $208
    San Antonio $138
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and San Antonio

Looking for a hotel in Raleigh or San Antonio? 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 Raleigh


Hotels in San Antonio


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: Raleigh Hotel Prices and San Antonio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Raleigh $37
    San Antonio $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:

  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $126
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Raleigh or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio and Raleigh 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
    Raleigh $57
    San Antonio $40
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:


  • The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)
    $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.

  • Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Raleigh $37
    San Antonio $36

Tours and Activities in Raleigh

Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Durham by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Raleigh African American History Tour: $13
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC: $15
  • Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $16
  • True Crime History Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour: $16
  • Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: $16
  • Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
  • Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $30
  • Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh: $45

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Briscoe Western Art Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $20
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • The Ghosts of San Antonio Walking Tour: $25
  • Historical Ghost Tour: $25
  • San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour: $25
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Raleigh $27
    San Antonio -

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


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

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


Which is Bigger, Raleigh or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh and San Antonio, 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 Raleigh or San Antonio?

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 Raleigh or San Antonio in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Raleigh is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Raleigh in July average around 79°F (26°C), and San Antonio averages at about 87°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during summer. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Raleigh. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Raleigh 79°F (26°C) 
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C)

Should I visit Raleigh or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Raleigh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In October, Raleigh is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the autumn, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets less rain in October than San Antonio. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C) 
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Raleigh or San Antonio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and San Antonio. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. Raleigh is much colder than San Antonio in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during winter. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C) 
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Raleigh or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as San Antonio. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to San Antonio in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Raleigh is cooler than San Antonio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), and San Antonio averages at about 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the spring, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets more rain in April than San Antonio. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C) 
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Raleigh

Raleigh San Antonio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)