pamplona spain versus San Sebastian

Yes it is but you may wish to consider some other towns, perhaps north over the Fr/Sp border. It is, though, the high season and I can't imagine it'll be cheaper on the coast where San Sebastian is located.
Do some Googling on 'Basque Country' accomodations, which is basically (just to the North) of where you'll be. Rather than considering only north/west, towards the Atlantic coast from Pamplona, consider north and east, away from the maddening crowds on the beaches. Get into TripAdvisorForums and query 'Basque Country'. Keep your eyes peeled on the results of your query for something that looks like 'maribelsguides'. They're free, downloadable travel guides for the area we're talking about and very, very well done.

thank you, we are looking into san sebastian

Hi Donna

We spent 4 nights this past Aug in San Sebastian at this lovely pension: www.pensionanorga.es. We had a double room with a private bath for 69 euros.
San Sebastain is a wonderful city. We took a day trip to Pamplona by bus. We weren't impressed with Pamplona but it is an easy drive by bus from San Sebastian. Anorga is within walking distance of the bus station.
I would definitely stay in San Sebastian and bus it to Pamplona.

Many years ago when driving through Spain we decided to go to Pamplona to see the running of the bulls. Actually, we didn't decide...he fell asleep and I took the turn to Pamplona. We arrived to find people packed like spring breakers on a Lauderdale beach except now they were in sleeping bags on every square inch of terrain available. People were actually in the trees too! This was a day or two before the event and the place was absolutely packed to the rafters (limbs). After a futile attempt to find lodging we left P and continued elsewhere. I would imagine little has changed. More recent travelers will have better info but I wouldn't venture there without reservations. PS.. he had the last laugh: the crowds were so unruly that year we later were told the running had been cancelled.

Thanks Denny!
We decided on a stay in San Sebastian.,.......will take a day trip to see Pamplona.