A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Francisco vs. Albuquerque for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit San Francisco or Albuquerque?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco or Albuquerque, 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a cultural, outdoorsy, and desert town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Albuquerque. San Francisco is bigger than Albuquerque, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its museums & sights, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Albuquerque is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. San Francisco is more touristy than Albuquerque and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Albuquerque is well known for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

How is San Francisco different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for theatre. However, Albuquerque is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Albuquerque is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in San Francisco or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albuquerque. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both San Francisco and Albuquerque.

If you're looking for night time activities San Francisco has a few options to choose from. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for live music. However, Albuquerque is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Albuquerque is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Albuquerque is a good destination for hiking. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Albuquerque is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Families?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, San Francisco is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

San Francisco and Albuquerque are both great to visit as a couple.

San Francisco is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Albuquerque is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Albuquerque is a good coastal city to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

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

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

San Francisco has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its walkability. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

For even more information, also check out Is San Francisco Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either San Francisco or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in San Francisco due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for San Francisco, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Albuquerque 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 Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind coastal city where you can fill many days. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the desert destination of Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco is a beautiful big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind coastal city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Albuquerque. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco 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. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Albuquerque. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Albuquerque?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Albuquerque. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco and Albuquerque, 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.