San Francisco and Boston both rank among the most expensive cities in the United States, and a few days in either can add up fast. Yet many of their best experiences, from walking the waterfront to crossing a bridge or sitting in a historic park, are free. A budget city trip is not about doing without. It is about knowing where the big costs hide and deciding which ones are worth it.
Start with your dates
Accommodation is usually the largest single cost, and its price depends far more on when you go than on which hotel you choose. Rates rise sharply around conventions, big sports events, holidays and university graduations. Shift your trip by a few days, or avoid peak weekends, and the same room can cost much less. In downtowns that rely on business travel, weekend nights can be cheaper than weeknights; in leisure areas it often works the other way around, so check both.
The shoulder seasons, just before and after the busiest months, often bring good weather and lower prices together. Winter, outside the holidays, is generally the cheapest time for city hotels in both cities.
Sleep smart
- Stay central but not prime. A plain hotel one transit stop from the center can save money without costing much time.
- Consider hostels. Many now have private rooms as well as dorms, and they are good places to meet other travelers.
- Watch the extras. Daily hotel charges, parking and taxes can turn a cheap rate into an average one. Compare total prices; our guide to booking the right hotel explains how.
- Do not save on safety. The cheapest rooms are sometimes on blocks that feel uncomfortable at night. Read reviews that mention the street.
Get around cheaply
Skip the rental car. In both cities, parking is expensive and public transit covers the places visitors go. Walking is free and is often the fastest way to see a compact downtown. For transit, compare single fares with day or multi-day passes; if you will ride more than a few times a day, a pass usually wins. In San Francisco, a Muni pass that includes the cable cars is one of the best-value buys in the city.
From the airport, rail is almost always far cheaper than a car. BART runs from San Francisco International into the city, and in Boston the Silver Line and the Blue Line connect Logan Airport to downtown.
Free and cheap things to do
Every city has a long list of free sights. Some favorites:
- Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge or along the Lands End trail in San Francisco.
- Following the Freedom Trail through central Boston, past many of its historic sites.
- Parks, from Golden Gate Park to Boston Common and the Public Garden.
- Public libraries and university campuses, many of which have notable architecture and are open to visitors.
- Free museum days and evenings, which many museums offer; check each museum's own website for current details.
Our guide to San Francisco on a budget has a longer list for that city.
Eat well for less
Make lunch your main meal out; many restaurants offer lunch dishes that cost less than their dinner equivalents. Look for the food that locals eat every day: burritos and taquerias in San Francisco's Mission District, dim sum in Chinatown, food halls and market stalls. A hotel room with a fridge, or a hostel kitchen, lets you have breakfast and picnics from a grocery store. Carry a refillable water bottle.
Remember that in the US, menu prices do not include sales tax, and a tip is expected at sit-down restaurants. Our guide to tipping in the US explains the norms so that you can budget for them.
Avoid hidden costs
- Card fees. If you are visiting from abroad, use a card without foreign transaction charges, and when a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose the local currency instead.
- Roaming. Arrange data before you arrive rather than paying roaming rates by accident.
- Bag charges. Many airlines charge for checked bags and some for full-size carry-ons on basic fares.
- Bottled water and snacks at tourist sights cost far more than at a corner store a block away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single biggest saving on a city trip?
Usually your choice of dates, because it affects both flights and hotels. Flexible travelers can often find much better prices simply by moving a few days.
Are city passes worth it?
Only if you would visit most of the included sights anyway. Add up the individual entry prices for the places you really want to see before buying.
Is it safe to stay in cheaper areas?
Often, yes, but check the specific block, read recent reviews and think about your walk back at night.