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

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

Galveston

Galveston is a charming, coastal, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Galveston and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 Galveston or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galveston than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Galveston, Galveston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galveston is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Also, Galveston is famous for Pleasure Pier. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Galveston different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston
Sacramento

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Galveston and Sacramento.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Galveston or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Sacramento

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Galveston and Sacramento can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

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 Galveston or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Sacramento

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

Galveston has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

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 Galveston or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Sacramento

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

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Sacramento Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Sacramento

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Galveston. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Sacramento?

Galveston
Sacramento

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

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 Galveston or Sacramento Better for Families?

Galveston
Sacramento

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Galveston is very family-friendly. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Galveston
Sacramento

Galveston is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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

Galveston
Sacramento

Galveston and Sacramento both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

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

Is Galveston or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Galveston
Sacramento

Galveston 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.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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 Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Sacramento?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Galveston or Sacramento?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Galveston, 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 town.

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 Galveston or Sacramento?

Galveston, a popular town, 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 Galveston or Sacramento?

Galveston 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Galveston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston 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 Galveston and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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 Galveston


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

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

  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $167
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $192
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Galveston 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
    Galveston $52
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

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

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

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.
    Galveston $15
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $179
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $25
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
  • Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33

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
    Galveston $37
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

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

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

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 Galveston and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Galveston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Galveston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galveston 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 Galveston.

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


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Sacramento. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

Galveston is a little warmer than Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In July, Galveston usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Galveston is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galveston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galveston 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 January, Galveston is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 52°F (11°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In January, Galveston usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Galveston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Galveston is a little warmer than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Galveston

Galveston Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)