A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlantic City vs. Sacramento for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City or Sacramento?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Sacramento. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a flashy, party-oriented, and colorful city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atlantic City and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Atlantic City and Sacramento are popular destinations, Atlantic City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlantic City is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums. Atlantic City is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also well known for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Atlantic City different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Sacramento is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.


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

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Foodies will find both Atlantic City and Sacramento both to be nice destinations.

Atlantic City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Sacramento has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Atlantic City or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

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

Atlantic City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Atlantic City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Atlantic City or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sacramento and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sacramento. 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 Atlantic City or Sacramento Better for Families?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Sacramento is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.


Is Atlantic City or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

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

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City
Sacramento

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Atlantic City has some public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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


Is Atlantic City or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Atlantic City
Sacramento

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Atlantic City or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Atlantic City than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.


  • How many days in Atlantic City or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Atlantic City 1-3 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

With shopping and nightlife around the colorful city of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atlantic City, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Atlantic City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 relaxed destination of Sacramento. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sacramento. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Atlantic City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, 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 Atlantic City and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City


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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $50
    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.
    Atlantic City $44
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $70
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Parasailing Experience: $95
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush & Ghosts SmartPhone App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Sacramento Urban Murals: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $8.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $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
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15

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 - Lodi California: $35
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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

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


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Sacramento?

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 Atlantic City or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Sacramento. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Atlantic City is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlantic City this time of the year. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

In October, Atlantic City is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. Atlantic City is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Sacramento. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

In the spring, Atlantic City is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)