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

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Should you visit Santa Monica or Sonoma?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica 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 Monica or Sonoma?

Santa Monica

When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.

Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.

So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.

The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.

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 Santa Monica?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Monica is $210, 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 Monica and Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santa Monica $123
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santa Monica $246
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Santa Monica and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Santa Monica 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 Monica


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 Monica Hotel Prices and Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santa Monica $50
    Sonoma $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Malibu or Pacific Palisades Private Transfer To Los Angeles.: $115
  • Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $113
  • Private Transfer to/from LAX Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer From Santa Monica Area To Los Angeles Airport (LAX).: $79
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sonoma

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Monica or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma and Santa Monica 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 Monica $52
    Sonoma $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.

  • Taste of Santa Monica Walking Food Tour: $84

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.
    Santa Monica $38
    Sonoma $16

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

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

  • 5-Hour Limo Tour with Open Bar: $266
  • Bvc 02 -half Day Tour Santa Monica.: $45
  • California Coastline Helicopter Tour: $219
  • Deluxe 6-Hour Los Angeles Private Limo Tour: $773
  • Experience a beach séance with a medium in Santa Monica: $48
  • From The O.J. Simpson Tour: $49
  • Half Day Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach: $53
  • Half-Day Private Gas-Powered Scooter Tour in Los Angeles: $70
  • Half-Day Private Gas-Powered Skateboard Tour in Los Angeles: $85
  • Half-Day Private Tour in California by Gas-Powered Bicycle: $90
  • Las Vegas 2 Day Tour from Los Angeles Santa Monica Venice and Marina Del Rey: $147
  • Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Sonoma

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

  • Sonoma Valley Half-Day Wine Country Tour: $100
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $119
  • Sonoma Valley Wine Buyer's Picnic Tour: $125
  • Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley: $130
  • Sonoma Food and Wine Private Group Tour: $138
  • #1 Private Walking Food, Wine & History Tour: $139
  • Sonoma County Wine Segway Tour: $151
  • Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike or Regular Bike Tour: $151
  • Sonoma Valley Full-Day Pedal Assist Bike Tour with Lunch - (Reg. Bike Optional): $151
  • All-Inclusive Sonoma Wine and Picnic Tour: $198
  • Rides by me, Sonoma Sidecar Wine-Tasting tours: $220
  • Point Reyes Station: Food and Farm Tour with Lunch: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santa Monica $21
    Sonoma $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

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

  • Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $148

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 comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica 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.


When is the best time to visit Santa Monica 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 Monica or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Sonoma.

In the summer, Santa Monica is around the same temperature as Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Monica in July are around 70°F (21°C), and Sonoma is about 73°F (23°C).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Santa Monica or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Santa Monica is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Temperatures in Santa Monica average around 67°F (20°C), and Sonoma stays around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Santa Monica or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Santa Monica during the winter are popular places to visit.

Santa Monica is much warmer than Sonoma in the winter. The temperature in Santa Monica is usually 57°F (14°C) in January, and Sonoma stays around 46°F (8°C).

Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Santa Monica or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Sonoma.

In the spring, Santa Monica is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Monica in April are around 61°F (16°C), and Sonoma is about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Santa Monica

Santa Monica Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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Santa Monica vs. Sonoma Travel Comparison

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