San Francisco vs New York City Travel Cost Comparison (2026)

Detailed side-by-side expense comparison for flights, hotels, dining, and daily living costs.

Verdict: Which City is Cheaper?

Overall, San Francisco is approximately 8% cheaper than New York City. A mid-range traveler spends an average of $360/day in San Francisco versus $392/day in New York City for hotel, meals, and local transit.

Daily Cost Comparison

San Francisco (United States)

$360 / day

  • Hotel (mid-range): $220/night
  • Daily Food: $80/day
  • Local Transport: $20/day
  • 7-Day Vacation (1 Person): ~$2520
  • Safety Score: 8.2/10

New York City (United States)

$392 / day

  • Hotel (mid-range): $240/night
  • Daily Food: $85/day
  • Local Transport: $22/day
  • 7-Day Vacation (1 Person): ~$2744
  • Safety Score: 8.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions: San Francisco vs New York City

Which is cheaper: San Francisco or New York City?

San Francisco is cheaper, with an average daily cost of $360 compared to $392 in New York City.

How much does a 1-week trip cost in San Francisco vs New York City?

A 7-day mid-range stay costs approximately $2520 in San Francisco versus $2744 in New York City excluding airfare.

Related City Guides and Tools

San Francisco Full Cost Guide New York City Full Cost Guide Global Affordability Index Trip Budget Estimator