How much should expect to pay for myself and wife for a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the downtown area? Is there a lower cost alternative?
Thanks

A Union Sq hotel would cost you $10-12...that's from SFO. A cheaper alternative if you're flying into Oakland, is taking the local bus to the Coliseum stop and taking the Bart to the city.

Would the $10-12 be for each of us sharing a cab or for both?

Frank, the shuttles now charge $14 per person if not more. I'm sure taxi for 2 must be more then that. The cheapest way may be a SamTrans bus - not sure if they take you all the way to the city or only to a BART station - check the website. Or you can take shuttle to BART and go to Powell st. station if you need Union Square area.

Also depending on your flight - BART and buses don't run 24/7. So if you're coming at night better take shuttle. A shuttle goes to your hotel, not just drop-off point, just like a taxi.

Super shuttle charges $12.50 to hotels.

We paid $40 from the airport to Fisherman's Wharf. Decided to book a shuttle on the return trip which cost us $26 (13 per person)with one stop to another hotel.