A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. San Francisco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or San Francisco?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or San Francisco?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Veracruz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Veracruz and San Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $54
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $108
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and San Francisco

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz or San Francisco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Veracruz


Hotels in San Francisco


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Veracruz Hotel Prices and San Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $28
    San Francisco $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
  • Airport Transfer: $25
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $557
  • Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $410
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $343
  • San Francisco (SFO) to Calistoga Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
  • Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $182

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or San Francisco?

Prices for flights to both San Francisco and Veracruz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Veracruz $50
    San Francisco $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $83
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
  • San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $15
    San Francisco $46

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $103
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $125
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • Bird Watching Adventure in La Mancha Ecological Reserve: $138
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
  • From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
  • From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.

  • 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • Private Walking Tour in Muir Woods and Tickets : $20
  • "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
  • 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
  • 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
  • 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $172
  • 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
  • 3 in 1 Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito & Half Day Wine Country Visit: $189
  • 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $17
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
  • SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
  • Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
  • Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
  • From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139


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

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or San Francisco?

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 Veracruz or San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Veracruz is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Veracruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Veracruz is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and San Francisco. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Veracruz is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Veracruz usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as San Francisco. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Veracruz is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Veracruz

Veracruz San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)