A Travel Price Comparison for California Berkeley vs. Sacramento for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Berkeley or Sacramento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley 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.

Where Should I go: Berkeley or Sacramento?

Berkeley

Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").

Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital city and one of the oldest cities in the state of California. It was founded in 1849 in the midst of the Gold Rush, and has since grown to a population of over 500,000 people. The atmosphere is more laid back than most major cities, and its heritage is rooted in the Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad era.

Which city is cheaper, Sacramento or Berkeley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $152, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $225. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Berkeley and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $105
    Sacramento $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $210
    Sacramento $176
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley 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 Berkeley


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $24
    Sacramento $41

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 - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Sacramento Executive Airport to Sacramento City - One Way: $73
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Sacramento Executive Airport to Roseville City - One Way: $144
  • Private Sacramento Transfer Hotel to Airport: $150
  • Private Sacramento Transfer Airport to Hotel: $150
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $228
  • Private transfer from Sacramento to SFO: $340
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $455

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $29
    Sacramento $42
Typical Food prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • Learn to Make New Orleans-Style Gumbo in a Private Berkeley Cooking Class: $66
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $110

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $82
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berkeley $24
    Sacramento $15

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Urban Murals: Cycle the streets of Sacramento with an audio tour: $5.00
  • California Gold Rush: The Sacramento Grid on a Self-Guided Bicycle Audio Tour: $8.30
  • Sacramento Historic River Cruise: $20
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Sacramento Historic River Cruise: $30
  • Rock The Yacht River Cruise: $33
  • Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berkeley $10
    Sacramento $9.31

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
  • Bk Best Wine Tasting Tours Amador County 4 Hour Chevrolet Suburban Passengers 7: $385
  • 4 Hour Private Amador County Wine Tasting Tours Mercedes Sprinter Passengers Van: $409
  • Amador Wine Tour from Sacramento: $436
  • 6 Hour Wine Tasting Tours Napa Valley Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passengers Van: $625

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Berkeley 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 Berkeley or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Berkeley during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Berkeley is generally cooler than Sacramento. Temperatures in Berkeley average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento stays around 76°F (24°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Sacramento.

Berkeley is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the autumn. The temperature in Berkeley is usually 63°F (17°C) in October, and Sacramento stays around 64°F (18°C).

In October, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Sacramento.

In the winter, Berkeley is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berkeley in January are around 50°F (10°C), and Sacramento is about 45°F (7°C).

Berkeley usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Sacramento. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Berkeley is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Temperatures in Berkeley average around 58°F (14°C), and Sacramento stays around 58°F (15°C).

In April, Berkeley usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sacramento. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Berkeley

Berkeley Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)


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Berkeley vs. Sacramento Travel Comparison

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