A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Valdosta vs. Big Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdosta or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Valdosta or Big Sur? 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: Valdosta or Big Sur?

Valdosta

Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Big Sur or Valdosta?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $136, while the average daily cost in Big Sur is $0.00. 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 Valdosta and Big Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valdosta $70
    Big Sur $165
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valdosta $140
    Big Sur $330
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Big Sur

Looking for a hotel in Valdosta or Big Sur? 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 Valdosta


Hotels in Big Sur


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: Valdosta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valdosta $34
    Big Sur -

Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Big Sur?

Prices for flights to both Big Sur and Valdosta 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
    Valdosta $45
    Big Sur -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valdosta $19
    Big Sur -

Tours and Activities in Big Sur

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

  • Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour: $13
  • Big Sur Highway 1: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valdosta $27
    Big Sur -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdosta and Big Sur, we can see that Valdosta is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Valdosta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdosta than you might in Big Sur.

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



When is the best time to visit Valdosta or Big Sur?

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 Valdosta or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valdosta is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdosta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In July, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valdosta 82°F (28°C) 
    Big Sur 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Valdosta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valdosta is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 69°F (20°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Valdosta usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valdosta 69°F (20°C) 
    Big Sur 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Big Sur. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Valdosta is around the same temperature as Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Valdosta usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valdosta 51°F (11°C) 
    Big Sur 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Valdosta or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Big Sur. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valdosta is a little warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdosta in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdosta usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valdosta 67°F (19°C) 
    Big Sur 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Valdosta

Valdosta Big Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm)