Daily costs per person in USD. San Francisco is expensive but compact — free views, Mission burritos, and Muni transit keep daily costs manageable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: USD ($) (1 EUR ≈ $1.08)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40–80 | $150–250 | $350+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury hotels |
| Food | $25–40 | $55–90 | $130+ | Burritos & dim sum → casual restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $5–12 | $15–30 | $50+ | Muni/BART → Muni + Uber → Uber everywhere |
| Activities | $0–15 | $30–60 | $100+ | Free walks & parks → museums + Alcatraz → wine tours + VIP |
| Drinks | $10–18 | $25–45 | $60+ | Dive bars → craft cocktails → wine bars & tiki |
| Daily Total | $80–165 | $275–475 | $690+ | Budget → comfortable → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Free iconic views
Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Coit Tower exterior, Painted Ladies, Dolores Park, and Ocean Beach are all free. The city is a natural observation deck.
Mission burritos
A Mission-style burrito ($12–14) is a full meal — rice, beans, meat, salsa, and guacamole wrapped in a massive flour tortilla. La Taqueria, El Farolito, and Papalote are the holy trinity.
Clipper Card transit
Get a Clipper card (free online or $3 at stations) for Muni, BART, and ferries. Muni fares: $2.50/ride, $5 day pass, $26 weekly pass. BART connects the airport ($9.65 to downtown).
Free museum days
SFMOMA first Thursdays, de Young first Tuesdays (residents), California Academy of Sciences select Sundays, and the Asian Art Museum first Sunday of each month.
Farmer's market meals
The Ferry Building Farmers Market (Saturday) and Alemany Farmers Market (every Saturday, year-round) have fresh produce and prepared food cheaper than restaurants.
Walk the hills
SF is 7x7 miles — compact enough to walk most of it. Budget extra time for the hills, but the views from the top are always worth the climb. Muni when legs give out.
