San Diego is one of the top travel destinations in the US, with over 31 MILLION visitors in 2023. Drawing US citizens and foreigners alike, San Diego is truly the perfect mix of vacation and travel. You can get a tan and sand between your toes during the day and visit the famous San Diego Zoo all in the same day.

With that kind of access, and perfect weather as the locals like to gloat about, it’s no surprise so many people travel there annually. As we know, popularity comes with high prices. According to Budget Your Trip, the average hotel room in San Diego ranges from $217-$406 per night. If you ask me, that’s a huge range, and still more than I’m willing to pay.

If you’re feeling the same way, don’t give up on the trip just yet. Because there are plenty of budget accommodation options in San Diego that are under $200 a night that are centrally located, clean, and comfortable, if you can believe it. The reason you may not be finding these options in your search is all because of one extra letter.

Hostels are definitely more popular for traveling in places like Europe and South America but there are still plenty of hostels for the budget or adventurous traveler right here in the US. San Diego alone has 14 hostels in the city and along the many beaches, all with their own pull to travelers. Whether you want the city right outside your window, or to be steps from the beach, there’s a hostel for that!

Hostels in Downtown San Diego

THE GASLAMP HOSTEL

The Gaslamp Hostel is located, quite literally, in the heart of the Gaslamp District on 5th Ave. The building was once used as a brothel and has a rich history dating all the way back to the 1800’s. You should be warned, the building, and the even the surrounding area, has been known for ghost sightings. Boo!

The red light district has changed a lot over the centuries, now the streets are packed with restaurants and nightclubs. The hostel itself is hard to find, it’s nestled in-between two restaurants, and once you find it you’ll enter from a plum-purple door and head up the stairs. The building is only three floors but there is no elevator and a lot of stairs, so pack accordingly. Backpackers and solo travelers frequent the hostel, as it is run by backpackers themselves, so right when you walk up the stairs you’ll immediately hear the noise of strangers becoming friends and feel the welcoming vibe in the air.

ROOMS:

The Gaslamp Hostel has over 20 rooms, ranging from single rooms to 6 bed rooms. They are all very spacious and all the rooms have a theme, such as Day of the Dead, Comic-Con, and The San Diego Zoo.

The dorm beds, like in any hostel, are twin sized beds and all come with a light, charging port, shelf, and the bottom bunks have a semi private screen.

There are two large bathrooms at the hostel, one on each floor. They are co-ed bathrooms. There are three showers and three toilets in each bathroom, all with their own floor-to-ceiling door and heavy duty lock. There are also 6 sinks with outlets and hair dryers readily available. The bathrooms are cleaned daily by the staff, but of course, do your part to keep everything tidy, which is common hostel etiquette.

PRICING

Pricing is determined by the time of year you visit, and what room you choose. Private rooms are the most expensive, and the 6 bed dorms the least expensive. The Gaslamp Hostel is becoming quite popular and it’s usually booked, so plan ahead! Do your research to see if there are events happening nearby that will impact the price. For example, Comic-Con takes place a mile down the road, and will be a more expensive time to book.

In general, the dorm rooms will be under $50 per night, and the private rooms under $150 per night. Of course, that doesn’t include any taxes or fees and check prices on the website for the most accurate information.

OTHER AMENITIES

There is free wifi, luggage storage, lockers with outlets, laundry, and they do offer early/late check-in/out.

They do offer continental breakfast (think coffee, cereal and toast). BUT there is a huge kitchen and both shelf and fridge space for guests to store their own food. At the front of the hostel is a common area for guests to hang out. Some people would eat in there (there is also space in the kitchen to eat as well) or work on their laptops.

The Gaslamp also offers daily activities for guests such as:

• Taco Tuesday crawl
• Ghost tour of the city (that starts right in the hostel!)
• Game night
• Sunset tour

On holidays, such as the 4th of July, they will plan special events for the guests. No matter when you visit, or if you don’t have anything planned, you’ll find something to do at the Gaslamp Hostel.

The hostel also has the hookup for events elsewhere, including discount tickets for things like rooftop pool parties and movies at the theater across the street.

In June of 2022 I was lucky enough to stay at the Gaslamp Hostel and had an amazing time. I met the most incredible people during my month long stay there while volunteering with Worldpackers. I felt the location was convenient and easy to get to other places in the city, and a short drive to the beach. I’d highly recommend!

THE DOWNTOWN ADVENTURE HOSTEL:

The Adventure hostel, a welcoming and modern lime green building, is located in Little Italy, a neighborhood close to the water with eccentric coffee shops and farmers markets. It’s close to the airport and a short bus ride to downtown and the Gaslamp district.

ROOMS:

The Adventure Hostel has 4 and 6 bed dorms as well as private dorms.

The Captains House dorms, available in both mixed and female only dorms, seem to be a little more modern with privacy curtains and under the bed storage.

The White House is a 6 bed mixed-gender dorm with colorful decor and bedding, and the cheapest room option at the hostel.

There are only shared bathrooms, even if you book a private room. All rooms come with dedicated storage space, outlet, and lamp.

PRICING:

For the shared dorms you are looking for around $40/night for a bed in a 4-6 bed dorm, and $99 for a private room. Prices will vary depending on time of year, but you can usually get the best price by booking directly.

OTHER AMENITIES:

The Adventure Hostel offers free wifi, a communal kitchen, free breakfast, workspaces, and the opportunity to connect with other travelers.

If you’re interested in volunteering at this hostel in exchange for a free stay, check this out! They have almost 75 reviews, for an average 5 star rating.

Beach Hostels in San Diego

MISSION BEACH BACKPACKERS HOSTEL:

I have not personally stayed at this hostel, but it’s definitely on my list. They have 4.9 stars from 89 google reviews, incredible!

The Mission Beach Backpackers Hostel is literally steps from the beach, and that’s kind of hard to beat. Mission beach is one of San Diego’s most popular beaches because of how much you can do on its short 2 mile stretch. The hostel itself is located right by the Belmont amusement park and there’s also the boardwalk and Mission Bay park. And it’s only 15 minutes from the airport.

ROOMS:

The dorms at this location are pretty standard, nothing flashy, as you are more paying for the location than the accommodation. With dorm rooms prices ranging from $35-$50, that’s a steal for a beach front property. Even private rooms are a good price at a hostel. Private queen rooms are around $160/night with a shared bathroom. Might be a good option if you want a little more privacy, but with the community aspect of the hostel.

BEACH BUNGALOW HOSTEL:

If the word ‘beach’ in the name didn’t give it away, you’ll be steps away from the water when you stay at this hostel in Pacific beach. This hostel has been described as nothing but good vibes and the decor of the place proves it. Providing surf rentals and hammocks, it’s a beach lovers ideal stay.

LOCATION:

Be prepared to have sand in your shoes because this hostel is as close to the beach as it gets. Despite being so close to the beach, it’s only a 15 minute drive from the airport. Pacific beach, located within Mission Beach proper, is a popular spot for young locals and travelers. With cafes and boutiques, but also plenty of bars, you can easily have a relaxing day and then a fun night in this area.

When in the area, don’t miss out on walking along the 3.5 mile boardwalk for great sights and a great way to explore the area.

ROOMS:

This Pacific beach hostel offers 4-12 bed dorms (mixed or female) and private rooms. All include self-service breakfast, wifi, outlet, lockers for bag storage and 24/7 reception which is crucial for those late night arrivals.

The last 3 hostels are actually part of the same parent company, ITH: INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS HOSTELS.

ITH is a hostel chain company with locations in the United States (California) and Mexico that, like most hostels, encourages community and culture and offers a safe and comfortable place for travelers to reside. The two founders of ITH actually met in San Diego, and there are three ITH locations in San Diego now.

There is the Downtown Adventure Hostel, Mission Beach Backpackers Hostel, and the Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel. Depending on what area of San Diego you want to stay in, ITH has them all covered.

ITH also offers some promotions such as discounts for booking 10 nights or more or booking 90 days in advance. If you travel frequently in California, consider joining ITH’s Travelers Club to get 10% off, insider information on new hostel openings, travel tips, and more.

Already have your accommodations covered? Check out a few places I recommend for breakfast.

Cheap Hotels in San Diego

Not about the hostel life? No worries! There’s a place for every type of traveler in San Diego. Check out some recs below of affordable hotels under $150 a night.*

Somerset Hotel

I had to put this one first because this boutique hotel is perfect for those on a budget, who want a little bit of luxury too. No room is the same, but all will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot in a spa retreat.

The property is also walking distance from many attractions like Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’d rather bike, they have bike rentals available upon request.

The rooms seem small, but if you’re looking for an intimate and purposeful place to stay, I think you’ll like this. As a solo traveler, I may have to make my own booking soon especially because rooms are around $148 per night.

Greentree Inn San Diego Mission Bay

This is a newly opened property in Mission Bay with standard king and queen sized beds in bright and cozy rooms. As of March 2025, rates are as low as $115 per night and they offer military discounts and work with AAA.

If you’re coming by car, or renting one, they are 3 miles from the airport and offer free parking.

Sonesta Suites Carmel Mountain San Diego

This property is located more inward and north of San Diego, but the low prices might make it worth your while. Less than 10 miles away from most attractions, you might have to drive a little more but all rooms at Sonesta are suites. Great for traveling with family or if you just want a little more space.

One bedroom queen suites starting at $140*.

Diamond Head Inn

For a little more than $150 per night, The Diamond Head Inn is mere steps from Pacific Beach and a mile from Mission Beach.

This feels like a hidden gem, because they are also walking distance to many restaurants, are pet friendly, and the rooms have a little kitchen area too.

*I have not personally stayed at any of these hotels. When researching pricing I randomly put in a date of May 2025, so prices will vary. Do your own research for the most accurate information.