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

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Should you visit Washington or Sacramento?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Sacramento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Sacramento?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

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 Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, 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 Washington and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Sacramento $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Sacramento $176
Compare Hotels in Washington and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Sacramento $41
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Sacramento $42
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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.
    Washington $19
    Sacramento $15

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

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
    Washington $15
    Sacramento $9.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

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 Washington and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Washington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Washington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Washington 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 Washington.


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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Sacramento. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In the summer, Washington is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July are around 79°F (26°C), and Sacramento is about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Washington or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Washington is generally cooler than Sacramento. Temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Sacramento stays around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Washington or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Washington is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The temperature in Washington is usually 35°F (1°C) in January, and Sacramento stays around 45°F (7°C).

Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Washington or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Washington is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April are around 56°F (14°C), and Sacramento is about 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Washington

Washington Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)


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Washington vs. Sacramento Travel Comparison

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