A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Sacramento for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Arlington or Sacramento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Sacramento, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Arlington and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Arlington or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arlington than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Arlington, Arlington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arlington is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. It is also home to Arlington National Cemetery. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Arlington different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sacramento and Arlington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Sacramento?

Arlington
Sacramento

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Sacramento and Arlington.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.


Is the Food Better in Arlington or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Arlington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Arlington or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Arlington has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Sacramento?

Arlington
Sacramento

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Arlington and Sacramento.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Sacramento is a great destination for shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.


Is Arlington or Sacramento Better for Families?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington and Sacramento are both good destinations for the whole family.

Arlington is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Arlington or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Arlington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

Is Arlington or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.


Is Arlington or Sacramento Better for Students?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Sacramento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Arlington has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is generally limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Arlington or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Arlington
Sacramento

Arlington is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.


For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arlington or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arlington than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

Families should spend more time in Arlington than Sacramento. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Arlington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Arlington than Sacramento. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Arlington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Sacramento if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Arlington.


  • How many days in Arlington or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arlington 2-4 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Arlington or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Arlington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sacramento. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sacramento has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Arlington, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Sacramento. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Sacramento?

Arlington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Sacramento. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Arlington or Sacramento?

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sacramento is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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, Sacramento or Arlington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $281. 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 Arlington and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arlington $131
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arlington $262
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Arlington or Sacramento? 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 Arlington


Hotels in Sacramento


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: Arlington Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Arlington 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
    Arlington $81
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When comparing the travel costs between Arlington and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Sacramento, 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 Arlington or Sacramento?

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 Arlington or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In July, Arlington is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Arlington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the shopping scene.

Arlington is cooler than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Sacramento. Many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sacramento in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. In the winter, Arlington is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Arlington or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Sacramento.

In April, Arlington is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the spring, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Arlington

Arlington Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)