A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Sacramento for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nags Head or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Sacramento? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

Visitors also love the food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nags Head and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sacramento. Although Nags Head and Sacramento are popular destinations, Sacramento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sacramento is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its history and state capital. It is also well known for the California State Railroad Museum. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Sacramento?

Nags Head
Sacramento

Sacramento is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nags Head or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nags Head
Sacramento

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sacramento. 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 Nags Head or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Sacramento

Sacramento is a popular place for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Sacramento?

Nags Head
Sacramento

Sacramento is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sacramento. 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nags Head or Sacramento Better for Families?

Nags Head
Sacramento

Nags Head 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, Nags Head is very family-friendly. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Sacramento

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

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

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 Nags Head or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Sacramento

Nags Head 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 Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Nags Head
Sacramento

Sacramento is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have public transit.

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

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Sacramento

Sacramento is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nags Head or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nags Head than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sacramento than Nags Head 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 Sacramento.


  • How many days in Nags Head or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Nags Head or Sacramento?

With food around the of Nags Head, 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 Nags Head or Sacramento?

With food around the destination of Nags Head, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Sacramento. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nags Head or Sacramento?

Nags Head, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this . Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered 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 Nags Head or Sacramento?

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

Sacramento is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    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 Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Sacramento $53

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.
    Nags Head $14
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

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
    Nags Head $12
    Sacramento $12

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

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Sacramento. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Nags Head 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
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Sacramento. Additionally, most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. Nags Head is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Nags Head during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Nags Head is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the spring, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Nags Head

Nags Head Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)