For a 5-day trip to San Francisco in 2026, a mid-range traveler should budget approximately $1,500 to $1,800 per person, excluding flights. This breaks down to roughly $300–$350 per day to cover a mid-range hotel ($200/night), dining ($80/day), and activities like Alcatraz or the Exploratorium ($50/day). A budget traveler staying in hostels and eating at local "mission-style" taquerias can get by on roughly $650 to $800 for the same period. San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and travelers must account for "hidden" costs like the 14% hotel tax and mandatory "destination fees" (often $35/night) found at many downtown hotels. Additionally, a single cable car ride is now $9, so purchasing a "Muni Visitor Passport" is a cost-effective way to handle transportation during your 5-day stay.