Should you visit Napa Valley or Sonoma?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Napa Valley and Sonoma can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Sonoma 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 Sonoma is $176. 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Napa Valley and Sonoma in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $202 for a double occupancy room in Napa Valley If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Travelers usually pay around $148 for a double occupancy room in Sonoma If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
Food in Napa Valley costs travelers about $50 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
Food in Sonoma costs travelers about $45 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Napa Valley $50
Sonoma $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sonoma
For Sonoma, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Wine Country Food Tours. Sightseeing to various local artisanal food producers:
$462
Local Transportation
Napa Valley's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $146 per person, per day on transportation in Napa Valley.
Sonoma's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $107 per person, per day on transportation in Sonoma.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sonoma
Also for Sonoma, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private transfer from SFO to Sonoma:
$215
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Private transfer from Sonoma to SFO:
$215
Is it cheaper to fly into Napa Valley or Sonoma?
Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Napa Valley can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $22 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Sonoma can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $13 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Sonoma
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.
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#1 Private Walking Food, Wine & History Tour:
$139
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6 Hour Private Wine Sonoma Tours Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passengers Van:
$499
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All-Inclusive Sonoma Wine and Picnic Tour:
$198
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Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike or Regular Bike Tour:
$151
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Pt. Reyes Food and Farm Tour with Lunch:
$225
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Rides by me, Sonoma Sidecar Wine-Tasting tours:
$220
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Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley:
$130
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Sonoma County Wine Segway Tour:
$151
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Sonoma Food and Wine Private Group Tour:
$138
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Sonoma Valley Full-Day Pedal Assist Bike Tour with Lunch - (Reg. Bike Optional):
$151
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Sonoma Valley Wine Buyer's Picnic Tour:
$125
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Napa Valley, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $53.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Sonoma, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $33.
Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sonoma:
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2-Hour Private Guided E-Trike Wine Tour at Sonoma:
$80
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Sonoma County Wine Tasting Tour:
$103
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#1 Small Group Sonoma Walking Food and Wine Tour:
$105
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All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch:
$198
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Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge:
$225
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Wine Tours:
$513
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6 Hour Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour in Private Limousine:
$675
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8-Hour Private Wine Tour Experience for up to 6 Guests - San Francisco to Sonoma:
$680
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8 Hour Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour in Private Limousine:
$875
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Napa Valley and Sonoma, we can see that Napa Valley is more expensive. And not only is Sonoma much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sonoma would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sonoma 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 Sonoma.
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