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

Should you visit Sacramento or Sonoma?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Sonoma, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Sacramento or Sonoma?

Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital city and one of the oldest cities in the state of California. It was founded in 1849 in the midst of the Gold Rush, and has since grown to a population of over 500,000 people. The atmosphere is more laid back than most major cities, and its heritage is rooted in the Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad era.

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 place is cheaper, Sonoma or Sacramento?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $281, 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 Sacramento and Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento 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 Sacramento


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Sonoma $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma and Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53
    Sonoma $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

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
    Sacramento $12
    Sonoma $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125

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 Sacramento and Sonoma, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Sonoma.

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


Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Sonoma?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Sonoma.

In the summer, Sacramento is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Sonoma averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In July, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Sacramento 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
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Sonoma.

In October, Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Sonoma. Sacramento 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
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Sacramento is around the same temperature as Sonoma in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sonoma. Sacramento 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
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma and Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Sacramento is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Sonoma averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sonoma. Sacramento 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
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Sacramento

Sacramento Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°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 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)