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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Sacramento?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Sacramento. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sacramento

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

Jacksonville and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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 Jacksonville or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Sacramento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Jacksonville different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville
Sacramento

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Sacramento and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Jacksonville or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

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

Jacksonville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night 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 Jacksonville or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

Jacksonville is a very popular place for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Sacramento?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

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

Jacksonville is well-known for its shopping. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Sacramento Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

Both Jacksonville and Sacramento are good family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

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 Jacksonville or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

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

Jacksonville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Sacramento Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

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

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
Sacramento

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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


Is Jacksonville or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Sacramento

Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Sacramento?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Jacksonville or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the youthful city of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sacramento, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxed city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Sacramento is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Jacksonville or Sacramento?

Jacksonville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Sacramento. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Sacramento?

Jacksonville 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 to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Marriott Jacksonville Downtown Transfer to JAX: $134
  • Jacksonville Airport JAX to Carnival Cruise Port-Arrival Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Tru By Hilton Jacksonville St Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to One Ocean Resort and Spa: $181
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Marriott Jacksonville Downtown: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $198
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

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.
    Jacksonville $20
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Best of the Beaches E-Bike Tour: $100
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60

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
    Jacksonville $20
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35

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

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Sacramento?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Sacramento. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Sacramento. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In April, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 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 Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)