Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Sonoma?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sonoma or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sonoma and Ottawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Sonoma or Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySonoma $219Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Sonoma is $219, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Sonoma and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSonoma $93Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSonoma $186Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Sonoma and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Sonoma or Ottawa? 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: Sonoma Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sonoma $134Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Sonoma or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySonoma $56Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sonoma $16Ottawa $40
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
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySonoma $41Ottawa $18
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sonoma and Ottawa, we can see that Sonoma is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sonoma Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sonoma or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Sonoma and Ottawa, 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 Sonoma or Ottawa?
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 Sonoma or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sonoma and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Sonoma is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Sonoma averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
In July, Sonoma usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Sonoma gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySonoma 73°F (23°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Sonoma or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sonoma as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Sonoma in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sonoma is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sonoma in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Sonoma usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Sonoma gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSonoma 62°F (17°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sonoma or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Sonoma are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. In January, Sonoma is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Sonoma average around 46°F (8°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In January, Sonoma usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Sonoma gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySonoma 46°F (8°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Sonoma or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Sonoma during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Sonoma is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Sonoma averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
Sonoma usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Sonoma gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSonoma 56°F (13°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Sonoma
| Sonoma | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
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.