A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Auckland or San Francisco?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a eccentric, one-of-a-kind, and scenic coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. San Francisco is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater. See San Francisco travel costs.

Auckland and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Auckland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auckland is known for its nightlife. San Francisco is more touristy than Auckland and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment.

How is Auckland different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Francisco and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in San Francisco are world-renowned. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for its theatre productions. However, Auckland is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Auckland is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or San Francisco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Auckland has something for everybody. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is very good for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Auckland and San Francisco are excellent choices for a beach vacation.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Francisco. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, San Francisco draws large crowds to its stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Auckland or San Francisco More Beautiful?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Francisco is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Auckland is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and San Francisco are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and San Francisco are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

San Francisco is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Students?

Both Auckland and San Francisco are excellent destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

San Francisco is a great city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Is Auckland or San Francisco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Francisco is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

San Francisco has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or San Francisco?

Both Auckland and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Auckland. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Auckland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Francisco, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Auckland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Auckland if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Francisco.

One day in Auckland or San Francisco?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful coastal city of San Francisco offers shopping and museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Auckland. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and San Francisco is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco than you might in Auckland.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and San Francisco, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Auckland or San Francisco?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but San Francisco has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and San Francisco. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Auckland is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C)in July.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than San Franciscoin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as San Francisco. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as San Franciscoin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than San Franciscoin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Auckland is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C)in January.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than San Franciscoin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Auckland is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C)in April.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than San Franciscoin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Auckland