A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Napa Valley vs. Vernon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Napa Valley or Vernon?

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 Vernon 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Napa Valley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Napa Valley is $288, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $30. 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 Napa Valley and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Napa Valley $126
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Napa Valley $252
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Napa Valley and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Napa Valley or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Napa Valley $183
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Napa Valley

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

  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $110
  • Private Airport Transfer from Sonoma to SFO (One-way): $286

Is it cheaper to fly into Napa Valley or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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 $62
    Vernon $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Napa Valley $28
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in Napa Valley

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

  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $25
  • Napa Valley River History Kayak Tour: Single Kayaks: $79
  • Napa and Sonoma Wine and Food Experience (Napa pickup): $109
  • Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch: $125
  • The Original Napa Valley Wine Trolley "Up Valley" Castle Tour : $125
  • The Original Napa Valley Wine Trolley Classic Tour: $125
  • Sonoma Valley Open Air Wine Trolley Tour: $125
  • Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley: $130
  • Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley: $130
  • Half Day Tour: $139
  • Half Day Bike Tour: $139
  • Napa Valley River History Kayak Tour: 2 Person Tandem : $158

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Napa Valley $66
    Vernon $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Napa Valley

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

  • Private Self-Guided Wine Tasting Tour in Sonoma: $50
  • 6 Hour Wine Tour in Napa & Sonoma with Pick-Up from Napa: $109
  • Napa Cable Car Wine Tasting Tour: $129
  • Intro to Wine Tasting with Napa Sommelière : $195
  • Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour : $199
  • Yountville Food and Wine Tour in Napa: $275
  • Napa's Downtown Food & Wine Tour : $275
  • Private, Customized Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $300


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Napa Valley and Vernon, we can see that Napa Valley is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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


Which is Bigger, Napa Valley or Vernon?

Napa Valley has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Napa Valley and Vernon, 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 Napa Valley or Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Napa Valley during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Napa Valley for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Napa Valley is around the same temperature as Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Napa Valley averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Napa Valley usually gets less rain in July than Vernon. Napa Valley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Napa Valley or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Napa Valley and Vernon. The autumn months attract visitors to Napa Valley because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Napa Valley is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Napa Valley in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Napa Valley usually receives more rain than Vernon. Napa Valley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Napa Valley as well as Vernon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Napa Valley this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. In January, Napa Valley is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Napa Valley average around 46°F (8°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Napa Valley usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Napa Valley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Napa Valley are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Napa Valley for the natural beauty.

Napa Valley is a little warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Napa Valley averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Napa Valley usually receives more rain than Vernon. Napa Valley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Napa Valley

Napa Valley Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)