As one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., San Francisco isn’t the easiest place to travel on a budget, but if you’re careful, it’s possible to do it on around $80 a day. The accommodation alternatives, an abundance of free things to do, and the availability of cheap dining options can all help to keep costs down. Compared to other cities in the U.S., San Francisco has a large number of hostels, which are among the cheapest places to stay. Couchsurfing is also an option here, with local hosts offering their couches and spare rooms to travelers for free, and Airbnb (which started in San Francisco) is also usually cheaper than hotels.
San Francisco is known for its dining scene and is home to some world-class restaurants – but there are also some good budget options. The city’s many ethnic restaurants tend to be on the cheaper side, especially in Chinatown, as do the food trucks. Eating during happy hour can also save quite a bit. Lastly, tours of Alcatraz notwithstanding, a lot of the popular things to do in San Francisco are free. Walking across Golden Gate Bridge, hanging out in the eponymous park, taking a free walking tour, and strolling around Fisherman’s Wharf won’t cost you anything.