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

Should you visit Richmond 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 Richmond and Sacramento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Richmond or Sacramento?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Richmond than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Richmond, Richmond has more sights and attractions for tourists. Richmond is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its cultural and historical sights. It is also home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Richmond different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond
Sacramento

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Richmond or Sacramento.

Many visitors head to Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Richmond or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Richmond
Sacramento

Foodies will find both Richmond and Sacramento both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Richmond area. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Richmond or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Sacramento

Evening events are good in both Richmond and Sacramento.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 the Shopping Better in Richmond or Sacramento?

Richmond
Sacramento

Both Richmond and Sacramento are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Richmond to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

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.


Is Richmond or Sacramento Better for Families?

Richmond
Sacramento

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Richmond or Sacramento.

Richmond is a family-friendly place to visit. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Sacramento is a family-friendly city. 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 Richmond or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Richmond
Sacramento

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

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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 Richmond or Sacramento Better for Students?

Richmond
Sacramento

Richmond is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Sacramento is not popular with students.


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

Richmond
Sacramento

Both Richmond and Sacramento offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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

Is Richmond or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Richmond
Sacramento

Richmond is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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 Richmond Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Richmond or Sacramento to fill your time. In our opinion, Richmond has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Richmond than Sacramento. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Richmond or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Richmond, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Richmond, 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 Richmond or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Richmond, 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 Richmond or Sacramento?

Richmond, 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 Richmond or Sacramento?

Richmond 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Richmond?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $161, 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 Richmond and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Calistoga - Arrival Private Transfer: $148
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $220
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $223
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Richmond or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Richmond.

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

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.
    Richmond $13
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

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
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Sacramento Urban Murals: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $8.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • 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
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90

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

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


Which is Bigger, Richmond or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Richmond during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Richmond this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Richmond is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 78°F (26°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Richmond. In the summer, Richmond often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Richmond gets 305 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 Richmond. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Sacramento. Many travelers come to Richmond for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Richmond is cooler than Sacramento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. Richmond usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Richmond gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Sacramento. Many visitors come to Richmond in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Richmond is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Richmond in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Sacramento averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Sacramento. Richmond gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Richmond usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Richmond is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 58°F (14°C), 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 Richmond. Richmond usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Richmond gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Richmond usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Richmond

Richmond Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)