A Travel Price Comparison for California Los Angeles vs. Sacramento for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a multicultural, sprawling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sacramento

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

Los Angeles and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Sacramento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Los Angeles different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

Los Angeles is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Los Angeles are world-renowned. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its theatre productions. However, Sacramento is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Sacramento is not a theatre destination.

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

Los Angeles is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Los Angeles is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

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

Los Angeles is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Music?

Los Angeles is very popular for its live music scene. However, Sacramento is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Los Angeles. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.

Is Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Los Angeles is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Los Angeles has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is very popular for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Los Angeles are among the best in the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Los Angeles draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

Los Angeles is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Los Angeles draws large crowds to its stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Families?

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

Los Angeles is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Los Angeles has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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 Los Angeles or Sacramento Better for Students?

Los Angeles is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a great destination for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles has some public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

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

Is Los Angeles or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable place. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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 Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Los Angeles?

How long in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Los Angeles or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Los Angeles than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Los Angeles, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

When visiting Los Angeles, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Sacramento. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

When visiting Los Angeles, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Sacramento. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

Los Angeles, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The undiscovered city of Sacramento offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Los Angeles or Sacramento?

Los Angeles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Los Angeles and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Sacramento?

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

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

In July, Los Angeles is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 72°F (22°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In July, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Los Angeles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in October than Sacramento. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Sacramento. The winter months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In the winter, Los Angeles is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Los Angeles in January average around 55°F (13°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In January, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Sacramento in the Spring?

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

In April, Los Angeles is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 61°F (16°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in April than Sacramento. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Los Angeles