A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Sacramento for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Sacramento can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, skiing, and food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pocono Mountains and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
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 Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Sacramento, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sacramento is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Sacramento is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Sacramento is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Both Pocono Mountains and Sacramento offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Sacramento is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.


Is Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Pocono Mountains is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Both Pocono Mountains and Sacramento are notable shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Sacramento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Pocono Mountains 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, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

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

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural 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 Pocono Mountains or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

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

Many backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Both Pocono Mountains and Sacramento offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains
Sacramento

Pocono Mountains and Sacramento both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable region. 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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pocono Mountains than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pocono Mountains 3-7 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

With museums and skiing around the relaxing region of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

With skiing and food around the destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid back city of Sacramento. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Pocono Mountains, a popular region, 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 region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

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

Sacramento is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Pocono Mountains?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pocono Mountains is $174, 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 Pocono Mountains and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pocono Mountains $89
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pocono Mountains $178
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Pocono Mountains and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pocono Mountains $49
    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 - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223

Is it cheaper to fly into Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $53
    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.
    Pocono Mountains $30
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush & Ghosts SmartPhone App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pocono Mountains $13
    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
  • 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 Pocono Mountains and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

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


Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains or Sacramento?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Pocono Mountains during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.

Pocono Mountains is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. In the summer, Pocono Mountains often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Pocono Mountains gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Sacramento. The autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In the autumn, Pocono Mountains is cooler than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pocono Mountains in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. Pocono Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Pocono Mountains gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Sacramento. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. In January, Pocono Mountains is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 28°F (-2°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Pocono Mountains often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Pocono Mountains gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

Pocono Mountains is cooler than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Pocono Mountains gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)