A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Francisco vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit San Francisco or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco or Toronto, 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. San Francisco is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches. See San Francisco travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

San Francisco and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is better known for its theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Toronto is more popular for its nightlife. San Francisco is more touristy than Toronto 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. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is San Francisco different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Toronto and San Francisco.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for theatre. However, Toronto is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

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

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

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.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. 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.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Toronto?

If you're looking to go shopping, San Francisco and Toronto both offer plenty of first-rate 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.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is San Francisco or Toronto More Beautiful?

San Francisco is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Francisco is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Families?

San Francisco is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. 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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Couples?

San Francisco and Toronto are both high quality 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.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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

For backpackers, both San Francisco and Toronto are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is San Francisco or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

San Francisco and Toronto both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

Public transit in San Francisco is top-notch. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Is San Francisco or Toronto a more walkable city?

San Francisco and Toronto are high quality when it comes to walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. 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.

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Toronto?

Both San Francisco and Toronto 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 Toronto. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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 Toronto 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 Toronto?

Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Toronto. 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 Toronto?

Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Toronto. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in San Francisco or Toronto?

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural big city of Toronto. This city 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 Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. Because San Francisco is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Toronto. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between San Francisco and Toronto, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco and Toronto, 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 Francisco or Toronto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit San Francisco or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Francisco and Toronto. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Francisco is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Francisco in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, San Francisco usually receives less rain than Toronto. San Francisco gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Francisco or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Francisco as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, San Francisco is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in San Francisco average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. San Francisco gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and San Francisco are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. San Francisco is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In January, San Francisco usually receives more rain than Toronto. San Francisco gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Francisco or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and San Francisco during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, San Francisco is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Francisco in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. San Francisco gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and San Francisco