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

Should you visit Fairfield or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma?

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.

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma or Fairfield?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $131, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $219. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fairfield and Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fairfield $97
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fairfield $194
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Fairfield or Sonoma? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fairfield


Hotels in Sonoma


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fairfield Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fairfield -
    Sonoma $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma and Fairfield change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fairfield $30
    Sonoma $56
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:


  • El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)
    $17
  • Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)
    $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fairfield $13
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.

  • Create your own wine blend experience: $140
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300
  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fairfield -
    Sonoma $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:

  • Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133

Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sonoma:

  • San Francisco: Half-Day Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included: $189
  • Sonoma Food & Wine Tour: $235


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairfield and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fairfield or Sonoma?

Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In July, Fairfield is generally around the same temperature as Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 73°F (23°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Fairfield usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fairfield 73°F (23°C) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Fairfield or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Fairfield during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sonoma for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Fairfield usually gets less rain in October than Sonoma. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fairfield 62°F (17°C) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Fairfield or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and Sonoma. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Fairfield is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairfield in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In January, Fairfield usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sonoma. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fairfield 46°F (8°C) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Fairfield or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as Sonoma. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Fairfield usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sonoma. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fairfield 56°F (13°C) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Fairfield

Fairfield Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 51°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)