A Travel Price Comparison for California Sacramento vs. Santa Barbara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Santa Barbara, 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.

Where Should I go: Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital city and one of the oldest cities in the state of California. It was founded in 1849 in the midst of the Gold Rush, and has since grown to a population of over 500,000 people. The atmosphere is more laid back than most major cities, and its heritage is rooted in the Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad era.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.

Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara is $162. 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 Santa Barbara in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara


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 Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Santa Barbara $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara 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
    Santa Barbara $46

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Barbara

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

  • Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Santa Barbara $27

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
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old 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 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 Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • 90 minutes Bicycle tours through Folsom CA: $25
  • Historic Gold Rush River Cruise: $26
  • Sacramento Historic River Cruise: $30

Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara

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

  • 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
  • 5 STARS: "Where The Locals Go!" Nature-History Tour: $95
  • Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara: $125
  • City & Sand Electric Bike Tour: $105
  • Downtown Santa Barbara Taco & Drink Tour: $165
  • Electric Bike Adventure in Santa Barbara Wine Country: $83
  • Guided Hiking Experience in Ojai: $100
  • Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: $55
  • Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide: $55
  • Montecito Electric Bike Tour Along Santa Barbara Scenic Coastline: $79
  • Private Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Tour: $493
  • Private Sidecar Winery Tour through Santa Barbara: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Santa Barbara $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125

Typical Alcohol prices in Santa Barbara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:


  • Camping
    $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara

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

  • Wine Tasting with Ghost Storytelling/Walk Santa Barbara "Paranormal Pairing": $95
  • Solvang/ Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $199
  • Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $210
  • Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour: $215
  • Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
  • Small-Group Santa Barbara Wine Tour to Private Locations - Max 7 Guests: $235
  • Private Santa Barbara Wine Tour Experience - Authentic and Boutique : $240
  • Santa Ynez Wine Tour from Santa Barbara: $259
  • Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $259
  • Private Group Wine Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $391
  • 6-Hour Private Santa Ynez Limousine Wine Tour: $480

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

Sacramento is bigger, and its population is about 5.4 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the population of Sacramento vs. Santa Barbara, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Santa Barbara. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sacramento is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).

Sacramento usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C) 
    Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

Both Santa Barbara and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Sacramento usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C) 
    Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Sacramento is cooler than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Sacramento usually gets more rain in January than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C) 
    Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Sacramento or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Santa Barbara. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sacramento is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In April, Sacramento usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C) 
    Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Sacramento

Sacramento Santa Barbara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 65°F (19°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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.
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Sacramento vs. Santa Barbara Travel Comparison

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