A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Diego vs. Kamloops for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit San Diego or Kamloops?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Diego and Kamloops. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Diego

San Diego is a relaxed, outdoorsy, and idyllic coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See San Diego travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kamloops travel costs.

San Diego and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or Kamloops?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Diego than Kamloops. San Diego is bigger than Kamloops, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Diego is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kamloops is more popular for its skiing. San Diego is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is San Diego different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is great for skiing. However, San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Kamloops. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Diego or Kamloops?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Is the Food Better in San Diego or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Diego has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

San Diego has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Music?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, San Diego has diverse options. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

San Diego is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or Kamloops?

If you're looking to go shopping, San Diego and Kamloops both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is San Diego or Kamloops More Beautiful?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Diego is a beautiful place to visit, too. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Families?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Kamloops is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Couples?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

Kamloops is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

San Diego is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

Is San Diego or Kamloops Better for Students?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

San Diego and Kamloops both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is San Diego or Kamloops a more walkable city?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is San Diego Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Diego or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in San Diego than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for San Diego, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego than Kamloops 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 Diego.

One day in San Diego or Kamloops?

The coastal city of San Diego offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kamloops. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in San Diego or Kamloops?

San Diego 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.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the laid-back destination of Kamloops. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or Kamloops?

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Diego, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the laid-back city of Kamloops. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in San Diego or Kamloops?

San Diego is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Diego and Kamloops, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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

Which is Bigger, San Diego or Kamloops?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of San Diego and Kamloops, 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 San Diego or Kamloops?

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 San Diego or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and Kamloops. 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

San Diego is around the same temperature as Kamloops in the summer. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 71°F (22°C) in July, and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, San Diego usually receives less rain than Kamloops. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Diego or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Diego as well as Kamloops. 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. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

In the autumn, San Diego is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Diego in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Kamloops averages at about 11°C (51°F).

San Diego usually gets less rain in October than Kamloops. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Diego or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kamloops. In January, San Diego is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 57°F (14°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, San Diego usually receives more rain than Kamloops. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Diego or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and San Diego during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

San Diego is a little warmer than Kamloops in the spring. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

San Diego usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and San Diego