A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Sacramento for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Sacramento, 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Sacramento

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

Virginia Beach and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sacramento. Although Virginia Beach and Sacramento are about the same size, Sacramento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sacramento is better known for its museums, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital. Also, Sacramento is famous for the California State Railroad Museum.

How is Virginia Beach different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sacramento has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

The vibe at night is notable in both Virginia Beach and Sacramento.

If you're looking for night time activities Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

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

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

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

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sacramento. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Sacramento Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

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

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

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 Virginia Beach or Sacramento Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Sacramento is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Sacramento

Virginia Beach and Sacramento are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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 Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Virginia Beach or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Virginia Beach than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sacramento than Virginia Beach 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 Sacramento.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

With nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Virginia Beach, 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.

In Sacramento, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

With nightlife around the destination of Virginia Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Sacramento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Virginia Beach, a popular coastal 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 coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Virginia Beach 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Sacramento. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, 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 Virginia Beach and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Sacramento $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

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: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Heavenly Mountain - 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 Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Sacramento $53

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.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

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
    Virginia Beach $11
    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 - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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

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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Sacramento. The summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 79°F (26°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 Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Sacramento. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sacramento for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Virginia Beach in October average around 62°F (16°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 Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Sacramento in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Virginia Beach. In January, Virginia Beach is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 39°F (4°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Virginia Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 58°F (14°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 Virginia Beach. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)