A Travel Price Comparison for California San Diego vs. Santa Monica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Diego or Santa Monica?

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 Diego and Santa Monica. 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.

Where Should I go: San Diego or Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or San Diego?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Diego is $202, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $210. 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 Diego and Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Diego $115
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Diego $230
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in San Diego and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in San Diego or Santa Monica? 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 Diego


Hotels in Santa Monica


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 Diego Hotel Prices and Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Diego $24
    Santa Monica $50

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: $38
  • 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
  • San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego city hotels: $75
  • Private Transfer to San Diego International Airport from San Diego: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into San Diego or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica and San Diego 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 Diego $45
    Santa Monica $52
Typical Food Prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • 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:

  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter 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
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
  • San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Thanksgiving Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $121
  • Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $135

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

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

  • Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
  • Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
  • Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $175
  • Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Diego $48
    Santa Monica $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.33
  • A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
  • Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • San Diego Gas Lamp: At your leisure & pace. An audio walking tour.: $15
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Embarcadero Waterfront Ghost Walking Tour: $22
  • Ultimate La Jolla Self-Guided Combo Tour: $22
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
  • San Diego Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Old Town Ghost-Themed Walking Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • 15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey: $129
  • 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
  • 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
  • All Day Tour 6.5 Hour : $111
  • Bring-Your-Own-Food and Drinks Marina del Rey Boat Tour: $80
  • City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
  • Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour: $90
  • Exotic Tijuana Massage Tour in LA: $250
  • LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $15
  • LA: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Guided Bike or eBike Tour: $72
  • Los Angeles Must-See Tour - Filming Locations, Crime Scenes, Celebrity Homes: $197
  • Los Angeles Premier Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Diego $21
    Santa Monica $21

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:

  • Gaslamp Bar Crawls and Events: $20
  • San Diego Small-Group Gaslamp History Tour Pub Crawl: $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: $135
  • 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
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

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

  • Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195


When comparing the travel costs between San Diego and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, San Diego or Santa Monica?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of San Diego and Santa Monica, 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 Diego or Santa Monica?

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 Diego or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and San Diego during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

San Diego is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 71°F (22°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

San Diego usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Diego 71°F (22°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit San Diego or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and Santa Monica. Many travelers 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.

In the autumn, San Diego is around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Diego in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

In October, San Diego usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Diego 68°F (20°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit San Diego or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Diego as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to San Diego in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, San Diego is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 57°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

San Diego usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Diego 57°F (14°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit San Diego or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

San Diego is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, San Diego usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Diego 62°F (17°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and San Diego

San Diego Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)