A Travel Price Comparison for California Fairfield vs. Monterey for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fairfield or Monterey?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fairfield and Monterey can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fairfield or Monterey?

Fairfield

The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.

Monterey

When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.

Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.

Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairfield and Monterey, we can see that Monterey is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey than you might in Fairfield.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairfield Expensive? and Is Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fairfield or Monterey?

Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield and Monterey, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fairfield or Monterey?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fairfield or Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and Monterey. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fairfield is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 73°F (23°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Fairfield usually receives less rain than Monterey. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairfield or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as Monterey. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Fairfield is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Fairfield usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairfield or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Fairfield is cooler than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairfield in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Fairfield usually receives more rain than Monterey. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairfield or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Fairfield during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.

In April, Fairfield is generally around the same temperature as Monterey. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 56°F (13°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Fairfield usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Fairfield