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

Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sacramento

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

Monterey and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Monterey or Sacramento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Sacramento are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Monterey different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Monterey
Sacramento

Monterey 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.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Sacramento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Monterey or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Sacramento?

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Sacramento Better for Families?

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby 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 Monterey or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Monterey
Sacramento

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey
Sacramento

Monterey 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 Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Monterey
Sacramento

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Monterey and Sacramento.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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


Is Monterey or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Monterey
Sacramento

Monterey is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Sacramento?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Monterey or Sacramento?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-oriented city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Sacramento offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Sacramento?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Sacramento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sacramento, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Monterey or Sacramento?

Monterey, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Sacramento?

Monterey 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Monterey?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Monterey is $170, 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 Monterey and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Monterey $90
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Monterey $180
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Monterey and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Monterey 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 Monterey


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: Monterey Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Monterey $32
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Monterey or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Monterey 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
    Monterey $56
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey

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

  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150

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.
    Monterey $27
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Monterey

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

  • Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $125
  • California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $50
  • From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $127
  • Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
  • Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $70
  • Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $120
  • Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
  • Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour along the 17 Mile Drive: $115
  • 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
  • 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75

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
    Monterey $21
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey

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

  • Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Monterey or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In July, Monterey is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Monterey 63°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Monterey or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

Monterey is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Sacramento. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Monterey 62°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Monterey or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Sacramento. The winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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, Monterey is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Monterey in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Monterey 51°F (11°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Monterey or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Sacramento. The beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In April, Monterey is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 56°F (13°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Sacramento. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Monterey 56°F (13°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Monterey

Monterey Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)