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

Should you visit Wilmington or Sacramento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Wilmington and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wilmington than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Wilmington, Wilmington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums. Wilmington is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Wilmington different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington
Sacramento

Sacramento is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.


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

Wilmington
Sacramento

Both Wilmington and Sacramento offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sacramento. 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 Wilmington or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Sacramento

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Sacramento.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Sacramento

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.


Is Wilmington or Sacramento Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Sacramento

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Sacramento?

Wilmington
Sacramento

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Sacramento offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Wilmington or Sacramento Better for Families?

Wilmington
Sacramento

Wilmington 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, Wilmington is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Sacramento

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

Wilmington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Sacramento Better for Students?

Wilmington
Sacramento

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

Plenty of students visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington
Sacramento

Wilmington and Sacramento both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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


Is Wilmington or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Sacramento

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wilmington or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wilmington 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 Wilmington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

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


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

One day in Wilmington or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the undiscovered city of Sacramento, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sacramento, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wilmington or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sacramento, 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.


Five days in Wilmington or Sacramento?

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Sacramento?

Wilmington 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 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Wilmington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $204, 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 Wilmington and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington 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 Wilmington


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Sacramento $51

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: $296
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $56
    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.
    Wilmington $17
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $55
  • 2.5 Hr E-Bike tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & one Haunted Pub: $65
  • 4.5 Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
  • 4.5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • Eco Kayak Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $75
  • Half Day Carolina Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries: $85
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $85

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
    Wilmington $39
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Sacramento in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Wilmington is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

Wilmington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Sacramento in the Autumn?

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

In October, Wilmington is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Sacramento in the Winter?

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

Wilmington is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sacramento. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Wilmington during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Wilmington is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the spring, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Wilmington

Wilmington Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)