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

Should you visit Baltimore or Sacramento?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Sacramento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Baltimore travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sacramento travel costs.

Baltimore 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 public transit
  • Very walkable
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 Baltimore or Sacramento?

You'll generally find more things to do in Baltimore than Sacramento. Baltimore is bigger than Sacramento, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Baltimore different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore
Sacramento

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Baltimore and Sacramento.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Baltimore or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Sacramento

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

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Sacramento

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Sacramento?

Baltimore
Sacramento

Baltimore is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go 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 Baltimore or Sacramento Better for Families?

Baltimore
Sacramento

Baltimore is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Sacramento

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

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Baltimore or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Sacramento

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore
Sacramento

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

The public transit in Baltimore can get you around easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Baltimore or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Sacramento

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

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Sacramento?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.


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

One day in Baltimore or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Baltimore, 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 Baltimore or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, 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 laid back 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 Baltimore or Sacramento?

Baltimore, 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 relaxed 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 Baltimore or Sacramento?

Baltimore 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 The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Baltimore $184
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $320. 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 Baltimore and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Transfer Washington DC- New York: $800
  • Transfer Dulles IAD International Airport Sedan: $150
  • Transfer Dulles IAD International Airport: $190
  • Transfer BWI International Airport Sedan: $190
  • Transfer BWI International Airport: $220
  • Transfer Airport Washington DC- New York: $1,200
  • Transfer Airport DCA Ronald Reagan Sedan: $80
  • Transfer Airport DCA Ronald Reagan: $90
  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Ronald Reagan Airport: $174
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44

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: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Private Airport Transfer: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $46
    Sacramento $92
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Private Hands-On Vegan Cooking Experience in Baltimore: $45
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $88
  • Cooking or Baking Lesson with a Maryland Local Karen in her Home: $106
  • Discover Fells Point Culinary Food Tour: $109
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $112
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $133

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $140
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $140
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $110
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $20
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $47
  • Baltimore Ravens Football Game Ticket at M&T Bank Stadium: $261
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise: $75
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $67
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $104
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $41

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
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio 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
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $15
  • Chocolate Salon and Festival Entry Ticket: $19
  • Sacramento Ghosts: Gunslingers and Ghouls Tour: $20
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $23
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30

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
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Amador County CA: $30
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Lodi California: $35
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Sacramento?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Sacramento. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 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 Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Baltimore is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Sacramento. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

Baltimore is cooler than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Baltimore

Baltimore Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)