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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Sacramento? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sacramento

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

Cincinnati and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Sacramento?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sacramento than Cincinnati. Sacramento is bigger than Cincinnati, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital. Also, Sacramento is famous for the California State Railroad Museum.

How is Cincinnati different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Cincinnati and Sacramento.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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.


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

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Sacramento is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sacramento. 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Sacramento.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

If you're looking for night time activities Sacramento has a few options to choose from. 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 Cincinnati or Sacramento?

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sacramento and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cincinnati or Sacramento Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Sacramento.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Sacramento offers lots of family activities. 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 Cincinnati or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Most people don't think of either Cincinnati or Sacramento as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Cincinnati as a couple's destination. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

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 Cincinnati or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Cincinnati
Sacramento

Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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

Is Cincinnati or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Sacramento

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cincinnati or Sacramento to fill your time. In our opinion, Cincinnati has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cincinnati than Sacramento. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Cincinnati or Sacramento?

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

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


A weekend in Cincinnati or Sacramento?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cincinnati, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sacramento, 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.

Five days in Cincinnati or Sacramento?

Cincinnati, 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.

Sacramento, 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.

A week in Cincinnati or Sacramento?

Cincinnati 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 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.


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 Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, 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 Cincinnati and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

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: $296
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Calistoga - Arrival Private Transfer: $148
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $220
  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

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.
    Cincinnati $26
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $19
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Tour: $89

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
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°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 Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cincinnati is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In January, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Sacramento.

Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°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 Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)