A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Sacramento for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a relaxed, undiscovered, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells than Sacramento, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wisconsin Dells is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Sacramento is more popular for its museums and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Also, Wisconsin Dells is famous for Noah's Ark Water Park. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

Sacramento is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Sacramento offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Sacramento both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Sacramento is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

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

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

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

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

Sacramento is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

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

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

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

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options 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 Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

Sacramento is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells
Sacramento

Wisconsin Dells and Sacramento both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wisconsin Dells than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sacramento than Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

With food and nightlife around the lighthearted city of Wisconsin Dells, 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.

The undiscovered destination of Sacramento offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, 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.

The city of Sacramento offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Wisconsin Dells, 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.

Sacramento is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Wisconsin Dells?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $142, 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 Wisconsin Dells and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells


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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    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: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219
  • Sacramento Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43
    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.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush & Ghosts SmartPhone App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $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 Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    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 - Lodi California: $35
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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

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


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In the summer, Wisconsin Dells often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento in the Autumn?

Both Sacramento and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Wisconsin Dells during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. In January, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 19°F (-7°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Wisconsin Dells often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Sacramento.

Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)