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

Should you visit Cleveland or Sacramento?

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

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

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cleveland. Although Cleveland and Sacramento are popular destinations, Cleveland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cleveland is very popular for its music, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its food. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also well known for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Cleveland different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cleveland
Sacramento

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Cleveland or Sacramento.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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

Cleveland
Sacramento

Sacramento is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Cleveland or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Sacramento

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cleveland and Sacramento.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland or Sacramento Better for Music?

Cleveland
Sacramento

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

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Sacramento?

Cleveland
Sacramento

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cleveland and Sacramento.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Sacramento offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Cleveland or Sacramento Better for Families?

Cleveland
Sacramento

Cleveland and Sacramento are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

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 Cleveland or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Sacramento

Neither Cleveland or Sacramento is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Cleveland is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Most people don't think of Sacramento as a couple's destination. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.


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

Cleveland
Sacramento

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Cleveland and Sacramento.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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

Is Cleveland or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Sacramento

Cleveland and Sacramento are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Sacramento?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sacramento than Cleveland 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 Sacramento.


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

One day in Cleveland or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland or Sacramento?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Cleveland, 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 Cleveland or Sacramento?

Cleveland, 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 laid back 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 Cleveland or Sacramento?

Cleveland 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Cleveland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $132, 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 Cleveland and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland 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 Cleveland


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Sacramento $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
    Sacramento $53
Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

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.
    Cleveland $40
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $77
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $239
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24

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
    Cleveland $45
    Sacramento $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In the summer, Cleveland is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cleveland in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Cleveland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sacramento for the shopping scene.

In October, Cleveland is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 56°F (13°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Sacramento. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. Cleveland is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Sacramento.

In the spring, Cleveland is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cleveland in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In the spring, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Cleveland

Cleveland Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)