A Travel Price Comparison for California Sacramento vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sacramento or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or San Francisco, 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 undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a eccentric, one-of-a-kind, and scenic coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Sacramento and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sacramento or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Sacramento, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in San Francisco are world-renowned. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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.

Is Sacramento or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Sacramento is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Sacramento is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sacramento and San Francisco.

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.

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Sacramento or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Sacramento is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Francisco active and fun. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Sacramento is not a live music destination.

Is Sacramento or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Francisco. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Sacramento or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or San Francisco?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco draws large crowds to its stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Sacramento or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

San Francisco has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Sacramento or San Francisco a more walkable city?

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

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or San Francisco?

Both Sacramento and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Sacramento. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Sacramento or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Sacramento. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

A weekend in Sacramento or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Sacramento or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed destination of Sacramento. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco, a popular coastal city, 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 coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sacramento or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sacramento. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sacramento or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sacramento or San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and San Francisco. The summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the summer, Sacramento is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Sacramento usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sacramento or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as San Francisco. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than San Francisco. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sacramento or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Sacramento is cooler than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Francisco. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sacramento or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sacramento is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Francisco. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Sacramento