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

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Should you visit Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley 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: Napa Valley or Sonoma?

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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Napa Valley and Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Napa Valley $101
    Sonoma $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Napa Valley $202
    Sonoma $148
Compare Hotels in Napa Valley and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley


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: Napa Valley Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Napa Valley $146
    Sonoma $107

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sonoma

Also for Sonoma, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From San Francisco: Transfer to Lake Tahoe & Palisades Tahoe: $1,699
  • Private transfer from SFO to Sonoma: $215
  • 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Napa Valley $50
    Sonoma $45

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 Sonoma

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

  • Wine Country Food Tours. Sightseeing to various local artisanal food producers: $462

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Napa Valley $22
    Sonoma $13

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 Sonoma

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

  • #1 Private Walking Food, Wine & History Tour: $139
  • 6 Hour Private Wine Sonoma Tours Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passengers Van: $499
  • All-Inclusive Sonoma Wine and Picnic Tour: $198
  • Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike or Regular Bike Tour: $151
  • Point Reyes Station: Food and Farm Tour with Lunch: $225
  • Rides by me, Sonoma Sidecar Wine-Tasting tours: $220
  • Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley: $130
  • Sonoma County Wine Segway Tour: $151
  • Sonoma Food and Wine Private Group Tour: $138
  • Sonoma Valley Full-Day Pedal Assist Bike Tour with Lunch - (Reg. Bike Optional): $151
  • Sonoma Valley Half-Day Wine Country Tour: $100
  • Sonoma Valley Wine Buyer's Picnic Tour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Napa Valley $53
    Sonoma $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma

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

  • 2-Hour Private Guided E-Trike Wine Tour at Sonoma: $80
  • Sonoma County Wine Tasting Tour: $103
  • #1 Small Group Sonoma Walking Food and Wine Tour: $105
  • Napa Valley: Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $119
  • Sonoma County: Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour: $130
  • From San Francisco: Redwoods and Wine Tasting: $179
  • Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge: $225
  • Wine Tours: $513
  • 6 Hour Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour in Private Limousine: $675
  • 8-Hour Private Wine Tour Experience for up to 6 Guests - San Francisco to Sonoma: $680
  • Guided Private Wine Tour to Napa and Sonoma Wine Country: $800
  • 8 Hour Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour in Private Limousine: $875

About these numbers

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.


When is the best time to visit Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley or Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma and Napa Valley are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Napa Valley is around the same temperature as Sonoma in the summer. The temperature in Napa Valley is usually 73°F (23°C) in July, and Sonoma stays around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Napa Valley usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sonoma. Napa Valley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Napa Valley or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Napa Valley during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Napa Valley is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Napa Valley in October are around 62°F (17°C), and Sonoma is about 62°F (17°C).

Napa Valley usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sonoma. Napa Valley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Napa Valley or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Napa Valley and Sonoma.

In January, Napa Valley is generally around the same temperature as Sonoma. Temperatures in Napa Valley average around 46°F (8°C), and Sonoma stays around 46°F (8°C).

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


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

Should I visit Napa Valley or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Napa Valley as well as Sonoma.

Napa Valley is around the same temperature as Sonoma in the spring. The temperature in Napa Valley is usually 56°F (13°C) in April, and Sonoma stays around 56°F (13°C).

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


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

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Napa Valley

Napa Valley Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 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) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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Napa Valley vs. Sonoma Travel Comparison

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