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

Should you visit Sacramento or Juneau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Juneau, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sacramento

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

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sacramento and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Sacramento or Juneau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Juneau than Sacramento, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Juneau is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sacramento is more popular for its nightlife. Juneau is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Also, Juneau is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sacramento
Juneau

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sacramento and Juneau.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.


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

Sacramento
Juneau

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

Juneau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Sacramento or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento
Juneau

Sacramento is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city 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 Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Sacramento or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Sacramento
Juneau

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

Known for its hiking, Juneau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Juneau?

Sacramento
Juneau

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

Juneau is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Sacramento or Juneau Better for Families?

Sacramento
Juneau

Juneau 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, Juneau is very family-friendly. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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 Sacramento or Juneau Better for Couples?

Sacramento
Juneau

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

Juneau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Sacramento or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sacramento
Juneau

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

Many backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Sacramento
Juneau

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Sacramento and Juneau.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Sacramento or Juneau a more walkable city?

Sacramento
Juneau

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

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Sacramento Worth Visiting? and Is Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sacramento and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Juneau than in Sacramento. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

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

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

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


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

One day in Sacramento or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sacramento. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and food around the breathtaking city of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Sacramento or Juneau?

Sacramento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Juneau, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Sacramento or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau, a popular city, 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.


A week in Sacramento or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Sacramento. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or Sacramento?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $281, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $160. 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 Sacramento and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Juneau? 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 Sacramento


Hotels in Juneau


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 and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Juneau $38

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: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $220
  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53
    Juneau $49

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.
    Sacramento $19
    Juneau $17

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
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $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
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

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

  • 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
  • From Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour: $850
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Juneau $16

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 - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Juneau?

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

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 Sacramento or Juneau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Juneau. Many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sacramento is much warmer than Juneau in the summer. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 76°F (24°C) in July, and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In the summer, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Sacramento gets 439 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Sacramento usually gets less rain in July than Juneau. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Juneau because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sacramento is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sacramento in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Juneau averages at about 42°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Sacramento gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. In October, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Juneau. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Juneau in the Winter?

Both Juneau and Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

It's quite cold in Juneau in the winter. In January, Sacramento is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 45°F (7°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Sacramento gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sacramento usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Juneau. Also, many travelers come to Juneau for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Juneau. Sacramento is much warmer than Juneau in the spring. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Sacramento gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Juneau. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Sacramento

Sacramento Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)