Quick answer: San Francisco runs about EUR 230 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: September-October - the warmest, clearest months; summer is often foggy and cold, especially near the bridge.
What things actually cost
| Muni ride | 2.50 EUR |
| cable car single ride | 8 EUR |
| Mission burrito | 11 EUR |
| specialty coffee | 5.50 EUR |
| Alcatraz ticket | 42 EUR |
| mid-range hotel double per night | 200 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Mission burrito at La Taqueria or El Farolitothe city's defining meal, about 11 EUR
- Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman's Wharftouristy but right once, about 12 EUR
- Dim sum in Chinatowna table full of dumplings for about 15 EUR per person
- Morning bun at Tartine Bakeryworth the queue, about 5 EUR
- Oysters at Hog Island in the Ferry Buildingabout 3.50 EUR each
Money mistakes to avoid
- Not booking Alcatraz in advanceofficial tickets sell out 2-4 weeks ahead in high season
- Packing only summer clothesfog and wind make July feel like 14 degrees; bring layers year-round
- Leaving anything visible in a parked carwindow break-ins are the city's most common crime against visitors
- Spending all your time at Fisherman's Wharfit is the least representative corner of the city
Transport without the tourist tax
BART runs from SFO to downtown in about 30 minutes for roughly 10 EUR. In town, walk plus Muni buses and trains (about 2.50 EUR with a Clipper card or contactless tap) cover almost everything - the hills are the only real obstacle, which is what the 8 EUR cable car ride is for.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 3-day San Francisco itinerary.