San Francisco on $75 a Day: Budget Hacks for America's Priciest City

The biggest budget-killer in San Francisco is undoubtedly accommodation. Hotel rates that would get you a luxury suite in my hometown of Boise barely cover a closet-sized room here. After extensive research, I landed on a combination approach that saved me hundreds.

First, I booked three nights at the Green Tortoise Hostel near North Beach. At $45/night for a shared room, it wasn't exactly the Ritz, but it was clean, included breakfast, and put me within walking distance of many attractions. The communal kitchen meant I could prepare simple meals, and the diverse mix of international travelers provided great company and insider tips.

For the remaining nights, I used Airbnb to secure a private room in the Sunset District for $65/night. While farther from downtown, the neighborhood offered a more authentic San Francisco experience and easy access to Golden Gate Park. Plus, my host Sharon—a retired botanist—shared her MUNI pass with me on days she wasn't using it, saving me additional transportation costs.

San Francisco's compact size makes it one of the most walkable major cities in America—a blessing for budget travelers. I logged over 12 miles on my first day alone! But when those infamous hills became too much for my calves, I had budget-friendly backup plans.

The 7-day Visitor Passport ($45) was my transportation lifeline, offering unlimited rides on MUNI buses, historic streetcars, and the iconic cable cars. Consider that a single cable car ride costs $8, and you'll quickly see the value. I downloaded the Transit app to navigate the system efficiently—it saved me countless times when Google Maps suggested roundabout routes.

For exploring areas beyond public transit, I used the Bay Wheels bike share system. At $3 for a single ride or $15 for a day pass, it was perfect for cruising along the Embarcadero or through Golden Gate Park. Just be strategic about pickup and drop-off locations to avoid extra fees.

As someone who builds every trip around food experiences, I refused to settle for fast food chains just to stay on budget. San Francisco's diverse food scene offers surprising values if you know where to look.

The Ferry Building Farmers Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) became my breakfast spot of choice. For $6-8, I could sample artisanal cheeses, fresh fruit, and incredible pastries while watching the morning fog lift from the bay. The vendors were generous with samples, especially toward closing time.

For lunch, I discovered the magic of San Francisco's food truck scene. The SoMa StrEat Food Park and Off the Grid events feature rotating vendors offering gourmet bites for $5-12. My favorite discovery was a Vietnamese food truck serving banh mi sandwiches for just $7—packed with flavor and filling enough to power through afternoon adventures.

Dinner required more strategy. Many upscale restaurants offer happy hour specials with significantly discounted food. I enjoyed $1.50 oysters and half-priced appetizers at Waterbar while watching the Bay Bridge light show—a $25 experience that would have cost $60+ during regular dinner hours. I also packed my collapsible food container which came in handy for storing leftovers or packing picnic lunches.

Between conference sessions, I discovered that some of San Francisco's best experiences don't cost a dime. The city offers an incredible array of free attractions that rival its paid counterparts.

My favorite discovery was the network of 16 scenic stairway walks throughout the city. The Filbert Steps took me through gorgeous gardens to Coit Tower, while the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps revealed a stunning mosaic climbing up to panoramic city views. I tracked my routes with the AllTrails app which helped me find these hidden gems.

Many museums offer free admission days: the de Young Museum (first Tuesdays), the Exploratorium (free five times yearly), and the California Academy of Sciences (quarterly free days for residents, though I lucked into a community open house). Even without free days, the Cable Car Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum cost nothing to visit.

For entertainment, I caught free concerts at Stern Grove, watched the sea lions at Pier 39, and hiked the Lands End Trail for postcard-worthy Golden Gate Bridge views. When I needed a break, the San Francisco Public Library offered comfortable reading spaces and free walking tours led by knowledgeable volunteers—the best city orientation you can get for $0.

With careful planning, I managed to fit in two budget-friendly day trips that provided welcome breaks from the city hustle.

Muir Woods might seem challenging without a car, but I discovered the Muir Woods Shuttle ($3.50 round-trip from Sausalito) connects with regular ferry service from San Francisco. The total transportation cost was under $20, and the entrance fee was $15. Walking among ancient redwoods without the weekend crowds (go on a weekday!) was worth every penny.

For my second excursion, I took the BART to Berkeley ($4.50 each way) to explore the free UC Berkeley Botanical Garden and hike in the adjacent hills. I packed a picnic lunch and my compact binoculars which came in handy for spotting birds and enjoying distant views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Berkeley hills.

Another option I researched but didn't have time for was the Angel Island Immigration Station, accessible via a $9.75 ferry ride. The island offers hiking trails and important historical exhibits for an additional $5 entry fee—still keeping the day under budget.