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

Should you visit Lancaster or Sacramento?

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

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

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Sacramento

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

Lancaster and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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 Lancaster or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lancaster than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lancaster is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is known for its nightlife. Lancaster is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its history and long running Amish community. It is also home to Bird-in-Hand Village. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Lancaster different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster
Sacramento

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Sacramento and Lancaster.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster
Sacramento

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

Lancaster is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Sacramento offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Lancaster or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Sacramento

Sacramento is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Sacramento?

Lancaster
Sacramento

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

Lancaster is well-known for its shopping. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster or Sacramento Better for Families?

Lancaster
Sacramento

Lancaster 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, Lancaster is very family-friendly. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Sacramento

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

Lancaster makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Lancaster
Sacramento

Lancaster and Sacramento both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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


Is Lancaster or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Sacramento

Lancaster and Sacramento are decent when it comes to walkability.

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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 Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Sacramento?

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

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

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


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

One day in Lancaster or Sacramento?

With museums and food around the traditional town of Lancaster, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Lancaster or Sacramento?

With food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, 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 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 Lancaster or Sacramento?

Lancaster, 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 Lancaster or Sacramento?

Lancaster 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Lancaster?

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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster 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 Lancaster


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Sacramento $51

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: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $53
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

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.
    Lancaster $19
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
  • Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57

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
    Lancaster $11
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

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

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79

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
  • Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
  • 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 Lancaster and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Sacramento. The summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In July, Lancaster is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 77°F (25°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Sacramento. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sacramento for the shopping scene.

Lancaster is cooler than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. In the autumn, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Lancaster or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lancaster 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 Lancaster. In the winter, Lancaster is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lancaster in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento during winter. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Lancaster is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 53°F (12°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lancaster. In the spring, Lancaster often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Lancaster

Lancaster Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)