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

Should you visit Tulum or San Francisco?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and San Francisco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Tulum and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or San Francisco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Tulum, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is better known for its theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Tulum is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Tulum is well known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. 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.

How is Tulum different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Tulum and San Francisco have first-rate landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

The museums and tourist attractions in San Francisco are world-renowned. 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.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Theater?

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

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

Tulum is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for live music. However, Tulum 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.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or San Francisco?

San Francisco is terrific for shopping. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and San Francisco are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Many 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.

Is Tulum or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a well-known place for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

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.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tulum or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Tulum and San Francisco both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

San Francisco is a very walkable town. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or San Francisco?

Both Tulum and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Tulum. 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 Tulum than San Francisco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ancient destination of Tulum. 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.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the archeological destination of Tulum. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town 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.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or San Francisco?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful town of Tulum. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Each neighborhood in San Francisco has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and San Francisco, 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 Tulum or San Francisco?

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 Tulum or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Tulum is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Tulum