A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Sacramento for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tampa or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Sacramento? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tampa or Sacramento?

Tampa

On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Sacramento or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $136, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $225. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tampa and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $68
    Sacramento $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $136
    Sacramento $176
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $58
    Sacramento $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Transfer from Tampa International Airport to Tampa: $75
  • Tampa hotel or address to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $167
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Port Canaveral: $526
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $457
  • Private Transfer from Tampa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $393
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Sarasota: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $455
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $228
  • Private transfer from Sacramento to SFO: $340
  • Private Sacramento Transfer Hotel to Airport: $150
  • Private Sacramento Transfer Airport to Hotel: $150
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Sacramento Executive Airport to Sacramento City - One Way: $73
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Sacramento Executive Airport to Roseville City - One Way: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Tampa 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
    Tampa $34
    Sacramento $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $82
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $15
    Sacramento $15

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • 2-hour Tiki Boat BYOB Cruise in Tampa: $60
  • Adventure Island Water Park Ticket: $63
  • Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour: $199
  • Bicycle Tour Orlando, Over Tampa Bay Ride: $150
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket: $110
  • Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour: $59
  • Motorcycle Tour of Sunshine Skyway Bridge: $299
  • Nature Coast Private Day Tour From Tampa with Photographer , Max Group of 4: $250
  • Orlando: Aquatica Water Park Admission Ticket: $128
  • Skip the Line: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket: $45

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • California Gold Rush: The Sacramento Grid on a Self-Guided Bicycle Audio Tour: $8.30
  • Sacramento Historic River Cruise: $30
  • Sacramento Historic River Cruise: $20
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour: $78
  • Sacramento Urban Murals: Cycle the streets of Sacramento with an audio tour: $5.00
  • Rock The Yacht River Cruise: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $20
    Sacramento $9.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

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

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Haunted Tampa Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - Ybor City: $26
  • Private Tampa Brewery Tour - Party Bus: $600

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
  • Bk Best Wine Tasting Tours Amador County 4 Hour Chevrolet Suburban Passengers 7: $385
  • 4 Hour Private Amador County Wine Tasting Tours Mercedes Sprinter Passengers Van: $409
  • Amador Wine Tour from Sacramento: $436
  • 6 Hour Wine Tasting Tours Napa Valley Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passengers Van: $625

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Tampa 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 Tampa or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Sacramento stays around 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tampa. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Tampa 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
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Tampa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Tampa is a little warmer than Sacramento in the autumn. The temperature in Tampa is usually 75°F (24°C) in October, and Sacramento stays around 64°F (18°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the autumn, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Sacramento. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January are around 60°F (15°C), and Sacramento is about 45°F (7°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Tampa 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
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Sacramento. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Sacramento stays around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the spring, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Tampa

Tampa Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°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 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 68°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)


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Tampa vs. Sacramento Travel Comparison

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