A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallinn vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Tallinn or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or San Diego, 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a whimsical, historical, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Diego

San Diego is a hip, dynamic, and energetic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Tallinn and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or San Diego?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Diego than Tallinn. San Diego is bigger than Tallinn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Diego is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Tallinn is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is well known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. San Diego is well known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo.

How is Tallinn different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallinn or San Diego?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and San Diego.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is the Food Better in Tallinn or San Diego? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Tallinn and San Diego offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Tallinn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and San Diego.

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

San Diego is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Tallinn is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in San Diego while you're in town. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Tallinn is not a live music destination.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Tallinn is not a beach destination.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is renowned for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Tallinn is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Tallinn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or San Diego?

Tallinn is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tallinn is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

Plenty of budget travelers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Tallinn or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Tallinn is great for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you around easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Tallinn or San Diego a more walkable city?

Tallinn is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

Tallinn is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or San Diego?

In either Tallinn or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than San Diego 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 Tallinn.

One day in Tallinn or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

In San Diego, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Tallinn or San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Tallinn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In San Diego, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Tallinn or San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the whimsical city of Tallinn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

San Diego 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 Diego has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or San Diego?

Tallinn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Diego. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn is in Europe and San Diego is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn and San Diego, 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 Tallinn or San Diego?

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 Tallinn or San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and San Diego. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tallinn is cooler than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Tallinn, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than San Diego. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors 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 during these months.

In the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Tallinn during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Tallinn