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

Should you visit San Antonio or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis. 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 fun, historic, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Antonio and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Minneapolis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Minneapolis than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while San Antonio attracts visitors for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. San Antonio is famous for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is San Antonio different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

Both San Antonio and Minneapolis have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Antonio. 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.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.


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

San Antonio
Minneapolis

Dining out at restaurants in both San Antonio and Minneapolis can be an enjoyable experience.

San Antonio offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is San Antonio or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Minneapolis know how to have a good time. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for Music?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.


Is San Antonio or Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Minneapolis?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Christmas?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Minneapolis does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting San Antonio. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Minneapolis does not offer Christmas activities.


Is San Antonio or Minneapolis Better for Families?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

San Antonio is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is San Antonio or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

San Antonio and Minneapolis both nice destinations for a couple.

San Antonio is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is San Antonio or Minneapolis Better for Students?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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 Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either San Antonio or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Antonio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.


  • How many days in San Antonio or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Antonio 2-3 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in San Antonio or Minneapolis?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the innovative city of Minneapolis. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Minneapolis. 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.

Five days in San Antonio or Minneapolis?

The cultural 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.

The dynamic city of Minneapolis offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in San Antonio or Minneapolis?

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or San Antonio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $132, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. 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 San Antonio and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio or Minneapolis? 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 San Antonio


Hotels in Minneapolis


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Minneapolis $43
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:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into San Antonio or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40
    Minneapolis $40

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Antonio $36
    Minneapolis $27
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:

  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $89
  • Alamo and San Antonio Quarry Helicopter Tour: $286
  • Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo: $169
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $25
  • Downtown San Antonio Helicopter Tour: $197
  • Half-Day Afternoon City Tour of Historic San Antonio : $65
  • Half-Day Morning City Tour of Historic San Antonio: $65
  • Haunted San Antonio Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $37
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Mission Southern Route: $65
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Missions Northern Route: $65
  • Historic Spanish Missions Bike Tour - 3 Missions Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Minneapolis by Wacky Walks: $10
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Antonio -
    Minneapolis $24

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Minneapolis?

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

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Minneapolis. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, San Antonio is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Antonio in July average around 87°F (31°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In the summer, San Antonio often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in July than Minneapolis. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 73°F (23°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. San Antonio gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and San Antonio during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Minneapolis in the winter. San Antonio is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, San Antonio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. San Antonio gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit San Antonio or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Minneapolis. The natural beauty are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city.

In the spring, San Antonio is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Antonio in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Antonio usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. San Antonio gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Antonio usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and San Antonio

San Antonio Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)