How Much Does San Francisco Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
San Francisco is a premium coastal destination where costs consistently rank among the highest in North America. Daily budgets for visitors range from $135 for budget-conscious travelers to over $1,246 for those seeking a luxury experience on the bay. The city's unique geography makes water-based transport a common necessity, while a booming tech economy drives high prices for everything from coffee to coastal lodging. Beyond the base costs, travelers must account for a significant tax landscape that adds considerable weight to the final bill. Navigating this hilly peninsula requires careful planning to balance high-end dining with the city's naturally free scenic wonders.
Is San Francisco expensive to visit?
San Francisco is an expensive destination, with average daily costs ranging from $135 to $1,246 depending on your travel style.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in San Francisco
$135
per person /day
$478
per person /day
$1,246
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $404 | $1,435 | $3,737 |
| 5-Day Trip | $673 | $2,392 | $6,229 |
| 7-Day Trip | $942 | $3,349 | $8,720 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is essential to maintain a 15–20% budget buffer to account for the mandatory 14% hotel tax and the ~$35 daily destination fees often hidden in initial booking quotes. Additionally, most restaurants add a 4–6% health surcharge that is not part of the gratuity.
How Does It Compare?
See how San Francisco stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in San Francisco
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-range Dinner (Main Course) Expect entrees around ~$32. Don't forget the ~$1.59–$2.35 health surcharge. | $32 |
| Artisanal Latte San Francisco is famous for coffee culture. One latte is ~$6.47. | $6.47 |
| Local Craft Beer (Pint) Craft beers in the Mission or SOMA usually cost ~$8.97. | $8.97 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| BART Airport Transfer (SFO to Downtown) Fastest way to reach the city center. Cost is ~$9.97. Clipper card required. | $9.97 |
| Sausalito Ferry (Golden Gate Ferry) Highest standard fare for visitors is ~$14. Scenic route past Alcatraz. | $14 |
| Muni Single Ride (Cash/Machine) Verified price. Valid for 120 minutes. Approximately $2.99. | $2.99 |
| Cable Car Single Ride Verified price. Pay the conductor or use the app. Approximately $8.97. | $8.97 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in Downtown Hostel Prices increase on weekends. Expect to pay ~$62. Membership saves ~$5 per night. | $62 |
| Mid-range Hotel (Union Square) Includes access to the heated outdoor pool. Converts to ~$314. | $314 |
| Luxury Hotel (The Fairmont) Historic hotel on Nob Hill. Total with taxes and $35 destination fee is ~$746 per night. | $746 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| California Academy of Sciences Prices vary by date; $45 is the standard weekend peak rate. Includes aquarium and planetarium. | $45 |
| Alcatraz Day Tour Verified price. Includes round-trip ferry and audio tour. Approximately $46. | $46 |
| Exploratorium General Admission World-class science museum on Pier 15. Approximately $40. | $40 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM (T-Mobile 10GB) Physical SIM available at stores. Approximately $40. | $40 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by high-quality ingredients and a mandatory 4–6% health care surcharge at most establishments. A standard mid-range main course averages ~$32, while daily rituals like an artisanal latte ($6.47) or a pint of local craft beer ($8.97) reflect the city's upscale pricing.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Golden Boy Pizza
$5.98–$12North Beach · Street food area
Eat on the sidewalk like a local; one slice (~$5.98) is surprisingly filling.
Tommy's Joynt
$15–$25Van Ness · Local chain
Legendary spot for carved meat platters. A massive roast beef plate is ~$20.
Roxie Food Center
$12–$18Outer Mission · Local chain
Get the 'Simon Special' and take it to nearby Balboa Park. Costs ~$14.
Molinari Delicatessen
$16–$22North Beach · Bakery
One of the oldest delis in the US. A sandwich is ~$18 and easily shared.
Swan Oyster Depot
$25–$60Nob Hill · Street food area
Cash only! Arrive 30 minutes before opening to avoid a 2-hour wait. Budget ~$53 for a feast.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around involves a mix of iconic hills and bay crossings, with the Sausalito Ferry offering a scenic boat transfer for $14. Within the city, single Muni rides cost $2.99, though many visitors opt for the $8.97 cable car rides for the classic experience.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging is the primary expense, with even basic dorm beds in the downtown area costing approximately $62. Mid-range hotels near Union Square average $314, while historic luxury options on Nob Hill like The Fairmont reach $746 per night when including destination fees.
Accommodation Budget in San Francisco
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach for affordable square slices that avoid the high cost of sit-down dining.
- 2 Join the Hostelling International membership to save ~$5 per night on dorm stays at the Downtown Hostel.
- 3 Use the BART system for airport transfers from SFO to downtown for $9.97 instead of expensive rideshares.
- 4 Visit Tommy's Joynt on Van Ness for a budget-friendly 'hofbrau' experience with large portions of carved meats.
- 5 Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (2.7km) for free instead of paying for guided bus tours.
- 6 Purchase a Clipper card to manage transport fares and avoid the higher cash rates on some services.
- 7 Grab a world-class sandwich at Molinari Delicatessen to enjoy a picnic at Washington Square Park for under $18.
- 8 Avoid visiting in January when major tech conferences can triple basic hotel rates to over $589 per night.
- 9 Visit Swan Oyster Depot for fresh seafood at the counter to experience luxury flavors without the full fine-dining markup.
- 10 Explore the Outer Mission's Roxie Food Center for massive, locally famous sandwiches that provide two meals for the price of one.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Sep, Oct
+25-35%
Jan, Feb
-30-40%
Apr, May
September and October offer the best weather ('Indian Summer') but highest prices. Avoid January when massive conferences triple hotel costs to ~$589+ for basic rooms.
Events to Watch
- ● Dreamforce (usually September): Hotels can spike +200%
- ● J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (January): Extreme hotel rates
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watching the sea lions bark and sunbathe at Pier 39.
- 2 Walking the 1.7-mile (2.7km) span of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- 3 Exploring the murals of Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley in the Mission District.
- 4 Visiting the Cable Car Museum in Nob Hill to see the giant winding wheels in action.
- 5 Hiking the Land's End Trail for rugged coastal views of the Pacific Ocean.
- 6 Picnicking at Dolores Park for some of the best skyline views in the city.
- 7 Admiring the 'Painted Ladies' Victorian houses at Alamo Square.
- 8 Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday if entered before 10:00.
- 9 Hearing the acoustic sculptures of the Wave Organ at Crissy Field during high tide.
- 10 Strolling through the Palace of Fine Arts grounds and lagoon.
- 11 Climbing the Filbert Street Steps to spot the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.
- 12 Exploring the San Francisco Botanical Garden daily between 07:30–09:00 for the free entry window.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Benu Tasting Menu
3-star Michelin experience blending Korean and Cantonese flavors. Approximately $388.
Private Bay Sailing Charter
Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset without the crowds. Approximately $647.
Alcatraz Night Tour
Spookier atmosphere and access to areas closed during the day. Approximately $56.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in San Francisco
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from San Francisco and what they cost
Sonoma Valley Wine Country
$164 by bus
$40
$249
Muir Woods National Monument
$3.99 by shuttle
$15
$45
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
everywhere including coffee carts and Muni
Standard is 18–22% in restaurants. For bars, $1.18–$2.35 per drink is expected. Taxis/Uber 15–20%.
Avoid independent ATMs in liquor stores which charge ~$5.3 fees; use bank-affiliated ATMs (Chase, BofA).
Connectivity
eSIM: $14 for 5GB (7 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $40 at T-Mobile stores
WiFi: Excellent in libraries, parks, and most cafes.
Use an eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) for immediate connectivity, as US airport SIM cards are overpriced.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for San Francisco.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown