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

Should you visit Nantucket or Sacramento?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Sacramento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sacramento

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

Nantucket and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Sacramento are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums. Nantucket is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Nantucket different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket
Sacramento

Sacramento is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Sacramento specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Nantucket
Sacramento

Nantucket 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, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Sacramento

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Nantucket and Sacramento.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sacramento. 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 Nantucket or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Sacramento

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

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Nantucket or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Sacramento

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Sacramento Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Sacramento

Nantucket is a very popular place for its old town. However, Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Sacramento

Nantucket is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Sacramento?

Nantucket
Sacramento

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

Nantucket is well-known for its shopping. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Sacramento Better for Families?

Nantucket
Sacramento

Nantucket 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, Nantucket is very family-friendly. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Sacramento

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

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Nantucket
Sacramento

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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

Is Nantucket or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Sacramento

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

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Sacramento?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Nantucket or Sacramento?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

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 Nantucket or Sacramento?

Even though Nantucket is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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 Nantucket or Sacramento?

Nantucket, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 laid back 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 Nantucket or Sacramento?

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    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 Nantucket or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    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.
    Nantucket $34
    Sacramento $19

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
    Nantucket $35
    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 Nantucket and Sacramento, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sacramento 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Sacramento.

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


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Sacramento. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nantucket is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nantucket in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In July, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Nantucket is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 53°F (12°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. Nantucket is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Nantucket during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nantucket is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nantucket in April average around 45°F (7°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Nantucket

Nantucket Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)