Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Las Vegas, 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 laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a glamourous, ritzy, and colorful entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
Sacramento and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Sacramento
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Sacramento and Las Vegas are roughly the same size, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.
How is Sacramento different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sacramento and Las Vegas.
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 Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Is Sacramento or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Sacramento is not a theatre destination.
Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Sacramento is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Sacramento or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Las Vegas is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Sacramento or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very popular for its live music scene. However, Sacramento is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Las Vegas. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Sacramento is not a live music destination.
Is Sacramento or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Sacramento is not a resort destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Las Vegas draws large crowds to its stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
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 Las Vegas Better for Families?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Sacramento is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Sacramento or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.
Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
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 Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Sacramento and Las Vegas.
Public transit is mostly limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.
Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Sacramento or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Sacramento
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Sacramento?
How long in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Both Sacramento and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Sacramento. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Sacramento than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sacramento, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Sacramento. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.
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How many days in Sacramento or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StaySacramento 1-2Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
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.
When visiting Las Vegas, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered 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.
When visiting Las Vegas, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital.
Five days in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed 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.
Las Vegas, a popular entertainment capital, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this entertainment capital. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Sacramento or Las Vegas?
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.
Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySacramento $281Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $281, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSacramento $111Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSacramento $222Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Las Vegas? 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.
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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sacramento $51Las Vegas $53
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 Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
- Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $293
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas The Strip- Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $76
- Transfer in private minivan from Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- Las Vegas The Strip: $76
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Las Vegas The Strip - Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $58
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Las Vegas Airport (LAS)-Las Vegas The Strip: $152
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
- Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
- Private Transfer: McCarran Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas City Center: $26
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to McCarran International Airport (LAS): $51
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $114
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to LAS Airport by Luxury SUV or Limousine up to 8 p: $113
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $114
Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
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Food Meals for one daySacramento $53Las Vegas $80
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
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
- Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sacramento $19Las Vegas $78
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
- 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
- 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 Auburn to Placerville: $12
- Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
- 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
- All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila; Walking Foods and Drinks Tour : $70
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
- 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
- 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
- 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
- 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
- 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySacramento $12Las Vegas $55
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
- Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
When comparing the travel costs between Sacramento and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sacramento Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento and Las Vegas, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.