Should you visit Sonoma or Aspen?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Sonoma and Aspen can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
Aspen
Aspen is a famous, and notably expensive travel destination. The town is one of the country's most famous and recognizable ski destinations, and prices can climb high during the ski season. Although still expensive, you can often find better deals during the summer months or shoulder seasons. For visitors who want to enjoy the area's hiking, natural beauty, and charm, these are the times to visit.
Which city is cheaper, Aspen or Sonoma?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sonoma is $176, while the average daily cost in Aspen is $235. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Sonoma and Aspen in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $148 for a double occupancy room in Sonoma If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
The average price for accommodation for two people in Aspen is $272. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Food
Food in Sonoma costs travelers about $45 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
The price of a meal in Aspen can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $68 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $27 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Sonoma $45
Aspen $68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sonoma
For Sonoma, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Wine Country Food Tours. Sightseeing to various local artisanal food producers:
$462
Local Transportation
Sonoma's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $107 per person, per day on transportation in Sonoma.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $45 per day to get around in Aspen.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sonoma
Also for Sonoma, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private transfer from SFO to Sonoma:
$215
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Private transfer from Sonoma to SFO:
$215
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:
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Private Transfer: Aspen to Denver International Airport (DEN):
$1,321
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Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer:
$796
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Private Eagle County Regional Airport Transfer to Aspen:
$400
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Private Departure Transfer to Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
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Private Arrival Transfer from Aspen Airport (ASE):
$36
Is it cheaper to fly into Sonoma or Aspen?
Prices for flights to both Aspen and Sonoma 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Sonoma can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $13 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $36 per person, per day in Aspen. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Sonoma
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sonoma.
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Sonoma Valley Wine Buyer's Picnic Tour:
$125
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Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley:
$130
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Sonoma Food and Wine Private Group Tour:
$138
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#1 Private Walking Food, Wine & History Tour:
$139
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Sonoma County Wine Segway Tour:
$151
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Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike or Regular Bike Tour:
$151
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Sonoma Valley Full-Day Pedal Assist Bike Tour with Lunch - (Reg. Bike Optional):
$151
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All-Inclusive Sonoma Wine and Picnic Tour:
$198
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Rides by me, Sonoma Sidecar Wine-Tasting tours:
$220
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Pt. Reyes Food and Farm Tour with Lunch:
$225
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6 Hour Private Wine Sonoma Tours Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passengers Van:
$499
Tours and Activities in Aspen
Here are a few actual costs in Aspen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour:
$40
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Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour:
$40
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Glimpse of Aspen Tour:
$40
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Sonoma, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $33.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Aspen may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $16 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Sonoma
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sonoma:
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2-Hour Private Guided E-Trike Wine Tour at Sonoma:
$80
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Sonoma County Wine Tasting Tour:
$103
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#1 Small Group Sonoma Walking Food and Wine Tour:
$105
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All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch:
$198
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Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge:
$225
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Wine Tours:
$513
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6 Hour Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour in Private Limousine:
$675
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8-Hour Private Wine Tour Experience for up to 6 Guests - San Francisco to Sonoma:
$680
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8 Hour Napa or Sonoma Wine Tour in Private Limousine:
$875
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sonoma and Aspen, we can see that Aspen 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Sonoma.
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