A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Sacramento for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Sacramento?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Sacramento can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Tulum and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Sacramento are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Tulum different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum 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 Tulum are world-renowned. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 the Food Better in Tulum or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tulum is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Tulum is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Sacramento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Tulum is very popular for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Sacramento?

Tulum is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Sacramento Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Tulum is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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

Is Tulum or Sacramento a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tulum or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tulum than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Sacramento?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. 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.

In Sacramento, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Sacramento?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Sacramento?

Tulum, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sacramento. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Sacramento?

Tulum 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Sacramento?

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 Tulum or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Sacramento. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In October, Tulum is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Sacramento. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tulum is much warmer than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Sacramento. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Tulum