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

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

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chicago or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Sacramento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Chicago different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Theater?

Chicago is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Sacramento is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Sacramento is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

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

Chicago is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Music?

Chicago is very popular for its live music scene. However, Sacramento is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.

Is Chicago or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

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

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chicago or Sacramento?

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

Known for shopping, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Sacramento does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Sacramento does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chicago or Sacramento Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Sacramento does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Sacramento does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chicago or Sacramento Better for Families?

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

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Couples?

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

Chicago makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago 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 Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

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 Chicago or Sacramento Better for Students?

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

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

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

Chicago has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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

Is Chicago or Sacramento a more walkable city?

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

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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 Chicago Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Chicago?

How long in Chicago or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chicago or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chicago than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Chicago, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

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

One day in Chicago or Sacramento?

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

In Sacramento, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Chicago or Sacramento?

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Sacramento, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sacramento has to offer.

Five days in Chicago or Sacramento?

Chicago, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Chicago or Sacramento?

Chicago 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Chicago and Sacramento, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive? and Is Sacramento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chicago or Sacramento?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago or Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In July, Chicago is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 77°F (25°C), 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 Chicago this time of the year. In the summer, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Chicago gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chicago usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Chicago gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chicago or Sacramento in the Autumn?

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

Chicago is cooler than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chicago averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Chicago gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chicago usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Chicago gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chicago or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Chicago during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chicago is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chicago in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Chicago often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Chicago gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Chicago usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Chicago gets 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chicago or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chicago and Sacramento. Most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Chicago is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Chicago average around 52°F (11°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chicago usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Chicago gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Chicago usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Chicago gets 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Chicago