Is San Diego expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
San Diego is expensive, like most of coastal California, though usually a bit cheaper than San Francisco or Los Angeles' smartest areas. A budget day is about US$130 per person and a mid-range day about US$310. Hotels (with about 12–13% tax plus fees and parking), the big paid attractions and car rental take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$65 | US$140 | US$350 |
| Food & drink | US$35 | US$70 | US$150 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$70 | US$150 |
| Local transport | US$10 | US$30 | US$60 |
| Per person, per day | US$130 | US$310 | US$710 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our San Diego day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Fish taco | about $4–7 |
| California burrito | about $10–14 |
| Craft beer pint | about $8–10 |
| MTS trolley or bus ride | about $2.50 |
| San Diego Zoo (adult) | about $70–80 |
| USS Midway Museum | about $35–40 |
| Mid-range dinner for two in Little Italy | $90–150 with drinks |
| 3★ double room in summer | roughly $200–330 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the biggest cost, especially in summer and during Comic-Con in July; many charge extra for parking. The headline attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and the USS Midway, each cost $35–120. A rental car is useful for La Jolla, Torrey Pines and the beaches, adding daily fees and parking. Food is varied, with cheap Mexican taquerías and pricier restaurants in Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter. Beaches, Balboa Park's gardens and the coast are free.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are usually lowest from November to February (outside holidays) and in early spring, often 20–40% below July–August rates.
How to spend less
- Spend time in Balboa Park's free gardens and architecture (its rotating free museum Tuesdays are for San Diego residents only).
- Use the MTS trolley and buses with a day pass instead of driving downtown.
- Eat at taquerías for fish tacos and California burritos.
- Consider a Go City pass if you will visit several paid attractions.
- Stay in Mission Valley or near the trolley lines rather than on the beachfront.
- Take the ferry to Coronado and walk or bike instead of driving.
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Common questions
Is San Diego expensive?
Yes, like most of coastal California. Allow about $130 a day on a budget and about $310 mid-range.
Is the San Diego Zoo worth the price?
Yes, at about $70–80 it is one of the world's best zoos and fills half a day or more.
Do I need a car?
It helps for La Jolla, Torrey Pines and the beaches. Downtown, Old Town and Coronado work with the trolley and ferry.