Which place is cheaper, Sonoma or San Diego?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for California San Diego vs. Sonoma for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit San Diego or Sonoma?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Diego and Sonoma. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Diego or Sonoma?
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Diego $202Sonoma $219
The average daily cost (per person) in San Diego is $202, 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 San Diego and Sonoma in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Diego $115Sonoma $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Diego $230Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in San Diego and Sonoma
Looking for a hotel in San Diego 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.
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: San Diego Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Diego $24Sonoma $134
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Diego to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $361
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Hot Springs/Ocotillo, CA - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $341
- San Diego Private Transfer to Orange County, CA.: $223
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $174
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to Airport(SAN) in San Diego Downtown: $173
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Hot Springs/Ocotillo, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $148
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $133
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into San Diego or Sonoma?
Prices for flights to both Sonoma and San Diego 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
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Food Meals for one daySan Diego $45Sonoma $56
Typical Food prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour - Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $92
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- New Year's Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise: $118
- New Year's Eve Early Buffet Dinner: $124
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Diego $48Sonoma $16
Typical Entertainment prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- Rudolph's Holiday Lights Tour of San Diego: $56
- "Drink, Mingle, & Dance!" Club Tour (4 clubs included): $35
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $40
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 2 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park: $82
- 2 Hour Private Pink Boat Charter in San Diego. Sightseeing tour: $450
- 2 Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Diego $21Sonoma $41
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Pacific Beach: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- San Diego Brewery Tour: $95
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour - Vino! Vino! : $119
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $129
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $130
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Wine Tasting Sidecar 2.5-Hour Private Tour in San Diego: $165
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sonoma:
- Sonoma County: Half-Day Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included: $189
When comparing the travel costs between San Diego and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Which is Bigger, San Diego or Sonoma?
San Diego is bigger, and its population is about 125.2 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the population of San Diego vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit San Diego 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 San Diego or Sonoma in the Summer?
Both Sonoma and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, San Diego is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Diego in July average around 71°F (22°C), and Sonoma averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In July, San Diego usually receives less rain than Sonoma. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Diego 71°F (22°C)Sonoma 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit San Diego or Sonoma in the Autumn?
Both Sonoma and San Diego during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, San Diego is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 68°F (20°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
San Diego usually gets less rain in October than Sonoma. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Diego 68°F (20°C)Sonoma 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit San Diego or Sonoma in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and Sonoma. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
San Diego is much warmer than Sonoma in the winter. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
In January, San Diego usually receives less rain than Sonoma. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Diego 57°F (14°C)Sonoma 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit San Diego or Sonoma in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Diego as well as Sonoma. Many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, San Diego is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Diego in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Sonoma averages at about 56°F (13°C).
San Diego usually gets less rain in April than Sonoma. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Diego 62°F (17°C)Sonoma 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Sonoma and San Diego
| San Diego | Sonoma | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 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 | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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