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

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Sacramento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming 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.

Sacramento

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

Charlotte and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte than Sacramento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Charlotte is more popular for its big city activities, while Sacramento is known for its museums. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Charlotte different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte
Sacramento

Sacramento is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Sacramento specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.


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

Charlotte
Sacramento

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Charlotte and Sacramento.

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Sacramento offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Charlotte or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Sacramento

The vibe at night is good in both Charlotte and Sacramento.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sacramento. 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 Charlotte or Sacramento?

Charlotte
Sacramento

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Sacramento both offer plenty of good spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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 Charlotte or Sacramento Better for Families?

Charlotte
Sacramento

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Sacramento.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Charlotte or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Sacramento

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

Charlotte makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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 Charlotte or Sacramento Better for Students?

Charlotte
Sacramento

Charlotte is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Sacramento is not popular with students.


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

Charlotte
Sacramento

Charlotte 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.

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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

Is Charlotte or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Sacramento

Charlotte is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charlotte or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charlotte 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 Charlotte, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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


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

One day in Charlotte or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming city of Charlotte, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlotte, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Charlotte or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, 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 Charlotte or Sacramento?

Charlotte, 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 Charlotte or Sacramento?

Charlotte 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Charlotte?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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 Charlotte


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132

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 Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $220
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46
    Sacramento $53
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

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.
    Charlotte $43
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
  • 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
  • Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
  • Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
  • Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
  • Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
  • Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Charlotte's Only Southern Charm Haunted/True Crime Golf Cart Tour: $48

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
    Charlotte $20
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

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

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


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Sacramento?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Sacramento. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Charlotte is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Charlotte or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte 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.

In the winter, Charlotte is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the spring, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Charlotte

Charlotte Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)