A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America North Conway vs. San Diego for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit North Conway or San Diego?

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

Should I visit North Conway or San Diego? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: North Conway or San Diego?

North Conway

North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.

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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego or North Conway?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • North Conway Prices
    USA Prices
    San Diego Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    North Conway $270
    San Diego $233

The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $270, 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 North Conway and San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    North Conway $125
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    North Conway $250
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in North Conway and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in North Conway 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.

Hotels in North Conway


Hotels in San Diego


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: North Conway Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    North Conway $52
    San Diego $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in North Conway

Also for North Conway, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $200
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $100

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 North Conway or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego and North Conway 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 day
    North Conway $110
    San 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.
    North Conway $38
    San Diego $48

Tours and Activities in North Conway

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.

  • Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide: $15
  • Kancamagus highway GPS Smartphone Audio Driving Tour App : $9.50
  • Meet the Cider Makers with Rhythm Cidery Lincoln Tour: $40
  • Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40

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 day
    North Conway $33
    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 comparing the travel costs between North Conway and San Diego, we can see that North Conway is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, North Conway or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 580 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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 North Conway 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 North Conway or San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

North Conway is around the same temperature as San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 69°F (20°C) in July, 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 North Conway. North Conway usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. North Conway gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, North Conway usually receives more rain than San Diego. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    North Conway 69°F (20°C) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit North Conway or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and North Conway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the autumn, North Conway is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in North Conway in October average around 49°F (9°C), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, North Conway often gets less sunshine than San Diego. North Conway gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

North Conway usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. North Conway 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 October
    North Conway 49°F (9°C) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit North Conway or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and San Diego. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in North Conway in the winter. In January, North Conway is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 21°F (-6°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. North Conway usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. North Conway gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, North Conway usually receives more rain than San Diego. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    North Conway 21°F (-6°C) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit North Conway or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as San Diego. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

North Conway is much colder than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, 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 North Conway this time of the year. In the spring, North Conway often gets less sunshine than San Diego. North Conway gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

North Conway usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    North Conway 43°F (6°C) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and North Conway

North Conway San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)