How Much Is a Vacation to San Diego?

By Anna Duncan

San Diego is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, and for good reason. With its sunny weather, sandy beaches, and endless attractions, San Diego has something for everyone.

But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know how much a vacation to San Diego will cost. In this article, we’ll break down the expenses you can expect when planning your trip.

Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses you’ll incur on your San Diego vacation is accommodation. There are plenty of options to choose from, including hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.

The cost will depend on the location and amenities you’re looking for. On average, a hotel room in San Diego will cost around $150-$250 per night.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb rental. Hostels can be found for as low as $30-$50 per night while Airbnb rentals typically range from $75-$150 per night.

Transportation

Getting around San Diego is fairly easy thanks to its well-developed public transportation system. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates buses and trolleys throughout the city at an affordable rate of just $5 per day.

If you prefer to rent a car, expect to pay around $40-$60 per day depending on the type of vehicle you choose and whether or not you opt for insurance coverage.

Food

San Diego is known for its delicious cuisine ranging from Mexican street food to fresh seafood. The cost of food will depend on where you choose to eat, but on average expect to spend around $15-$25 per meal at a mid-range restaurant.

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, there are plenty of food trucks and casual eateries offering tasty meals for under $10.

Attractions

San Diego has no shortage of attractions to keep you entertained during your vacation. Popular options include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum. Admission prices will vary, but expect to pay around $25-$50 per person per attraction.

If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider purchasing a multi-attraction pass such as the Go San Diego Card. Prices start at $94 for a one-day pass and include admission to over 35 top attractions in the area.

Total Cost

So how much can you expect to spend on a vacation to San Diego? Here’s a breakdown of the average daily expenses:

– Accommodation: $150-$250
– Transportation: $5-$60
– Food: $30-$50
– Attractions: $25-$50

Overall, you can expect to spend around $210-$410 per day in San Diego depending on your accommodation and dining choices. Keep in mind that peak season (June-August) will be more expensive than off-season (September-May).

Tips for Saving Money

If you’re looking to save money on your San Diego vacation, here are a few tips:

– Visit during the off-season when prices are lower
– Stay in a budget-friendly accommodation such as a hostel or Airbnb rental
– Cook some meals at home instead of eating out every meal
– Take advantage of free attractions such as beaches and hiking trails

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all that San Diego has to offer without breaking the bank.