Which place is cheaper, San Antonio or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Washington and San Antonio can help you decide which place is right for you.
Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
San Antonio is a festive, fun, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Washington than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Antonio is known for its historical sights. Washington is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Antonio and Washington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Washington that are not to be missed. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.
San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.
Washington is a great destination for theatre. However, San Antonio is not a theatre destination.
Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.
San Antonio is not a theatre destination.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.
San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.
Washington is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
The people in Washington know how to have a good time. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.
If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.
Washington and San Antonio are both destinations where visitors can find good live music.
Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.
The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.
San Antonio is very good for its historic old town. However, Washington does not have a historic old town.
San Antonio is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.
Washington does not have a historic old town.
Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, San Antonio is not a hiking destination.
Washington has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.
San Antonio is not a hiking destination.
Washington is a great destination for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Washington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its Christmas holiday experiences.
Washington is a world class destination for shoppers. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.
Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting San Antonio. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.
San Antonio is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.
Washington is a very kid-friendly city. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.
Washington is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.
Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.
San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.
Washington is an unbeatable place for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.
It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.
Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.
Washington is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.
Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.
San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is San Antonio Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and San Antonio. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in San Antonio. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Antonio.
Families should spend more time in San Antonio than Washington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Antonio, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Washington than San Antonio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than San Antonio 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 Washington.
Washington is a monument-filled city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
With live music and food around the fun city of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Washington is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
With food and shopping around the destination of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Washington is a monument-filled city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
San Antonio, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Washington is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
San Antonio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in San Antonio is $132. 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 Washington and San Antonio in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Washington or San Antonio? 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:
Prices for flights to both San Antonio and Washington 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and San Antonio, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in San Antonio.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is San Antonio Expensive?.
San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and San Antonio, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as San Antonio. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Antonio for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Washington is cooler than San Antonio in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the summer, Washington often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in July than San Antonio. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both San Antonio and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Washington is much colder than San Antonio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and San Antonio averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in San Antonio. Washington usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Washington usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both San Antonio and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.
The weather in Washington can be very cold. In January, Washington is generally much colder than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in January than San Antonio. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and San Antonio. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the natural beauty.
Washington is much colder than San Antonio in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Washington usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Washington | San Antonio | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |