Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Newton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Newton or San Diego?
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 Newton and San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Newton or San Diego?
Newton
Newton, a large suburb of Boston, consists of 13 villages or neighborhoods: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Lower Falls, Newton Centre, Newton Corner, Newton Highlands, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville, Upper Falls, Waban, and West Newton. It's a good sized city with a population of over 80,000. Each village has its own historical and architectural character. Many of the villages were founded around railroad stations when the Boston & Worcester line opened in 1833 along the north side of the city. Another railroad line started along the south side of town in 1851. It's now the "D" line of the MBTA's Green Line. Walking tours of most villages are available and recommended for history buffs.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
-
Newton Prices
USA PricesSan Diego Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNewton $166San Diego $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Newton is $166, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $233. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Newton and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNewton $82San Diego $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNewton $164San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Newton and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Newton or San Diego? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Newton $80San Diego $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $276
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $165
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $140
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $125
- Sedan Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego: $125
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $112
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $112
- Sedan Departure Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN: $104
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Transfer to San Diego downtown: $90
- Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $89
- Private Transfer from San Diego (SAN) Airport to San Diego City: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Newton or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Newton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayNewton $43San Diego $77
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
-
Mexican Lunch for Two$27
-
Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2-Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- 2-Hour Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in San Diego: $75
- 2 Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef in San Diego : $75
- Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $84
- San Diego Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Newton -San Diego $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
San Diego Zoo$15
-
Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Gaslamp Quarter to Little Italy Tour: $39
- Guided Meditation and Mountain Hike Tour in San Diego: $62
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $28
- San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- The Coronado Walking Tour: $129
- The La Jolla Walking Tour: $119
- The Little Italy Walking Tour: $99
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown San Diego and Old Town: $52
- 2-Hour GoCar Tour of Downtown and Balboa Park: $90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNewton -San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $25
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- $99 Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours - DayTrip to baja from San Diego: $123
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249
- Private Temecula Wine Tour from Escondido: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newton and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Newton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newton 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 Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Newton.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Newton Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Newton or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Newton. When comparing the sizes of Newton and San Diego, 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 Newton or San Diego?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Newton or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Newton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Newton is generally around the same temperature as San Diego. Daily temperatures in Newton average around 73°F (23°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newton. Newton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Newton gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Newton usually receives more rain than San Diego. Newton gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNewton 73°F (23°C)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Newton or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Newton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Newton is much colder than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newton averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Newton often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Newton gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
Newton usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Newton gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNewton 54°F (12°C)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Newton or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newton and San Diego. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
The weather in Newton can be very cold. In the winter, Newton is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newton in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Newton usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Newton gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Newton usually receives more rain than San Diego. Newton gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNewton 29°F (-2°C)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Newton or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Newton as well as San Diego. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Newton is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Newton average around 48°F (9°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newton this time of the year. In the spring, Newton often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Newton gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Newton usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Newton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNewton 48°F (9°C)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Newton
| Newton | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.