A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America San Francisco vs. Las Vegas for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit San Francisco or Las Vegas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco or Las Vegas, 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 quirky, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

San Francisco and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Las Vegas. San Francisco is bigger than Las Vegas, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its museums, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Las Vegas is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and resorts. San Francisco is well 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. Las Vegas is well known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions.

How is San Francisco different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in San Francisco that are not to be missed. 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.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shows and theatre. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for theatre.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between San Francisco and Las Vegas can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Las Vegas have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. 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.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is notable for its beaches. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Las Vegas?

If you're looking to go shopping, San Francisco and Las Vegas both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. 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.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Families?

San Francisco is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Francisco. 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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas Better for Students?

San Francisco is notable for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with 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.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is very popular for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

San Francisco has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is San Francisco or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

San Francisco is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit 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.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Las Vegas?

Both San Francisco and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Francisco than Las Vegas. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for San Francisco, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the ritzy big city of Las Vegas. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Las Vegas?

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the ritzy big city of Las Vegas. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in San Francisco or Las Vegas?

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the entertainment capital of Las Vegas. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Las Vegas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Las Vegas?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco and Las Vegas, 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.