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

Should you visit Sarasota or Sacramento?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Sacramento. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sarasota and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Sarasota or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Sarasota different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarasota
Sacramento

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Sarasota or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota
Sacramento

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Sarasota and Sacramento.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

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 Sarasota or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Sacramento

The vibe at night is notable in both Sarasota and Sacramento.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

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.

Is Sarasota or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Sacramento

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Sarasota or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Sacramento

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Sarasota has a beach worth visiting. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Sacramento?

Sarasota
Sacramento

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Sacramento both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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 Sarasota or Sacramento Better for Families?

Sarasota
Sacramento

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

Sarasota is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Sacramento

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

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

Sarasota
Sacramento

Sarasota and Sacramento both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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

Is Sarasota or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Sacramento

Sarasota and Sacramento are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Sarasota is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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 Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Sarasota or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sarasota 2-5 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Sarasota or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated city of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Sarasota or Sacramento?

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

Sarasota, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. 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 Sarasota or Sacramento?

Sarasota 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Sarasota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, 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 Sarasota and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota 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 Sarasota


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $137
    Sacramento $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

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.
    Sarasota $11
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
  • 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
  • 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
  • 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
  • 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
  • Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
  • Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
  • Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
  • Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $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
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

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

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 - Lodi California: $35
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When comparing the travel costs between Sarasota and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Sacramento?

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 Sarasota or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Sacramento. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Sacramento. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sarasota is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Sarasota during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

Sarasota is much warmer than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the spring, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Sarasota

Sarasota Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)