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

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Sonoma?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Sonoma? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Santa Barbara or Sonoma?

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma or Santa Barbara?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $162, 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 Santa Barbara and Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Barbara $88
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Barbara $176
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara


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: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Barbara $42
    Sonoma $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:

  • Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Barbara or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma and Santa Barbara 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
    Santa Barbara $46
    Sonoma $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santa Barbara $27
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:

  • 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
  • 5 STARS: "Where The Locals Go!" Nature-History Tour: $95
  • Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara: $125
  • City & Sand Electric Bike Tour: $105
  • Coastline Kayak Tour near Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide: $122
  • Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour: $175
  • Electric Bike Adventure in Santa Barbara Wine Country: $83
  • Epic Zipline Tour Over The Santa Ynez Valley: $139
  • Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor: $55
  • Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: $55
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Santa Barbara, CA: $15
  • Private Guided Tour in Santa Barbara on Electric Bikes: $80

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

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

  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
  • Create your own wine blend experience: $140
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Barbara $12
    Sonoma $41
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:


  • Camping
    $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara

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

  • Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk with Ghost Storytelling: $105
  • Solvang Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $185
  • Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $194
  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley: $199
  • Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour: $215
  • ​All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $219
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
  • Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
  • Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
  • Santa Ynez Valley Cupcake and Wine Tour: $235

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 Santa Barbara and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma than you might in Santa Barbara.

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


Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Sonoma?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara or Sonoma?

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 Santa Barbara or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Sonoma. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Santa Barbara is cooler than Sonoma in the summer. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 65°F (19°C) in July, and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in July than Sonoma. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Santa Barbara is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santa Barbara in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Sonoma averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In October, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Santa Barbara during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Santa Barbara is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 52°F (11°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Sonoma. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Santa Barbara is around the same temperature as Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 57°F (14°C) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 65°F (19°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)