A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Antonio vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit San Antonio or Los Angeles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Antonio and Los Angeles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a cultural, colorful, and festive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse, multicultural, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

San Antonio and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Los Angeles than San Antonio. Los Angeles is bigger than San Antonio, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is better known for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while San Antonio is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Los Angeles is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Antonio different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Los Angeles that are not to be missed. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

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.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a great destination for theatre. However, San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

San Antonio is not a theatre destination.

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

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Los Angeles is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

Los Angeles is a world class music destination. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

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.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a great destination for its resorts. However, San Antonio is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Los Angeles to choose from. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Antonio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

San Antonio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio has an old town worth visiting. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

Los Angeles is well-known for its hiking and trekking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

San Antonio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Los Angeles is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. 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.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Los Angeles does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio worth visiting during the Christmas season. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Los Angeles does not offer Christmas activities.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Both San Antonio and Los Angeles are terrific family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Antonio is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Los Angeles is a very family-friendly destination. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Los Angeles is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is a great destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is a very popular place to visit for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

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

Los Angeles is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is San Antonio or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Los Angeles is a good destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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 San Antonio Worth Visiting? and Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

Both San Antonio and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in San Antonio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Antonio, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

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

One day in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the festive city of San Antonio. 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.

Los Angeles is a multicultural city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of San Antonio. 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.

Los Angeles is a multicultural big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

The colorful city of San Antonio 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.

Los Angeles is a dynamic city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in San Antonio or Los Angeles?

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

Los Angeles is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Antonio and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 San Antonio Expensive? and Is Los Angeles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Antonio. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio and Los Angeles, 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 San Antonio or Los Angeles?

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 San Antonio or Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Los Angeles. The summer months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In July, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

San Antonio usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

San Antonio is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In October, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Antonio or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and San Antonio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, San Antonio is around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

San Antonio usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Los Angeles. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and San Antonio