A Travel Price Comparison for California Napa Valley vs. Santa Monica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Napa Valley or Santa Monica?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Napa Valley and Santa Monica 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: Napa Valley or Santa Monica?

Napa Valley

Napa Valley, in the Bay Area of California, is a popular destination for its wineries and beautiful scenery. The area, referred to as Wine Country, is just north of San Francisco and makes for a great day or weekend trip. Many honeymooners visit the area for its romantic setting and popular bed and breakfasts. The best time to visit is during the months of September and October when the grapes are wipe. This time is referred to as the harvest "crush." The summer months are also a popular time but the crowds are often overwhelming.

Santa Monica

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

Which city is cheaper, Santa Monica or Napa Valley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Napa Valley is $230, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $168. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Napa Valley and Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Napa Valley $101
    Santa Monica $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Napa Valley $202
    Santa Monica $196
Compare Hotels in Napa Valley and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Napa Valley or Santa Monica? 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 Napa Valley


Hotels in Santa Monica


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: Napa Valley Hotel Prices and Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Napa Valley $146
    Santa Monica $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Malibu or Pacific Palisades Private Transfer To Los Angeles.: $115
  • Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $113
  • Private Transfer to/from LAX Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer From Santa Monica Area To Los Angeles Airport (LAX).: $79
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Napa Valley or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica and Napa Valley 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
    Napa Valley $50
    Santa Monica $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Napa Valley

For Napa Valley, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Napa Valley Wine Train: Vista Dome Lunch or Dinner: $260

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • Taste of Santa Monica Walking Food Tour: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Napa Valley $22
    Santa Monica $30

Tours and Activities in Napa Valley

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

  • From San Francisco: Napa Valley Beer Breweries Private Tour: $610

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • 5-Hour Limo Tour with Open Bar: $266
  • Bvc 02 -half Day Tour Santa Monica.: $45
  • California Coastline Helicopter Tour: $219
  • Deluxe 6-Hour Los Angeles Private Limo Tour: $773
  • Experience a beach séance with a medium in Santa Monica: $48
  • From The O.J. Simpson Tour: $49
  • Half Day Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach: $53
  • Half-Day Private Gas-Powered Scooter Tour in Los Angeles: $70
  • Half-Day Private Gas-Powered Skateboard Tour in Los Angeles: $85
  • Half-Day Private Tour in California by Gas-Powered Bicycle: $90
  • Las Vegas 2 Day Tour from Los Angeles Santa Monica Venice and Marina Del Rey: $147
  • Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Napa Valley $53
    Santa Monica $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $148

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Napa Valley and Santa Monica, we can see that Napa Valley is more expensive. And not only is Santa Monica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Monica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Monica 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 Napa Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napa Valley than you might in Santa Monica.


When is the best time to visit Napa Valley or Santa Monica?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Napa Valley or Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Napa Valley during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Napa Valley is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Temperatures in Napa Valley average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Monica stays around 70°F (21°C).

Napa Valley usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Napa Valley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Napa Valley 73°F (23°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Napa Valley and Santa Monica.

Napa Valley is cooler than Santa Monica in the autumn. The temperature in Napa Valley is usually 62°F (17°C) in October, and Santa Monica stays around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Napa Valley usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Napa Valley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Napa Valley as well as Santa Monica.

In the winter, Napa Valley is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Napa Valley in January are around 46°F (8°C), and Santa Monica is about 57°F (14°C).

Napa Valley usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Napa Valley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Napa Valley are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Napa Valley is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Temperatures in Napa Valley average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Monica stays around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Napa Valley usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Napa Valley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Napa Valley

Napa Valley Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)


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Napa Valley vs. Santa Monica Travel Comparison

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