Travel Budget for Sacramento Visit Sacramento on a Budget or Travel in Style

Sacramento, California, United States of America

Sacramento is a relaxed city known for its history and state capital. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Sacramento?

You should plan to spend around $320 per day on your vacation in Sacramento. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $92 on meals
  • $51 on local transportation
  • $221 on hotels

A one week trip to Sacramento for two people costs, on average, $4,480. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $320
  • One Week Per person
    $2,240
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,480
  • One Month Per person
    $9,600
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,480
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $8,960
  • One Month For a couple
    $19,200
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sacramento cost?

A one week trip to Sacramento usually costs around $2,240 for one person and $4,480 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Sacramento on average costs around $4,480 for one person and $8,960 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sacramento will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Sacramento on average costs around $9,600 for one person and $19,200 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Sacramento expensive to visit?

Sacramento is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Sacramento has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $154 per day, mid-range travelers spend $320 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $625 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sacramento.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Sacramento is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Sacramento is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sacramento Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Sacramento?

The average Sacramento trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sacramento travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sacramento cost?

Sacramento on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$49 $111 $197
Local Transportation 1 $20 $51 $131
Food 2 $40 $92 $174
Entertainment 1 $8.44 $19 $34
Alcohol 2 $3-8 $6-17 $11-33

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Sacramento, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $154 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, Sacramento features plenty of hostels, including HI Sacramento. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Sacramento will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $320 per person, per day.

Sacramento offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport-Natomas is an excellent option for kids, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Sacramento here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $625. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Sacramento

Hotel prices in Sacramento can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $138, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $257. Budget accommodations range from $93 to $388, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Sacramento for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $221. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $111 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $111
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $221

Hotels in Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Sacramento

The average hotel room price in Sacramento based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $138 in the low season and $257 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sacramento include:

  • Inn at Parkside starting at $266
  • Kimpton Sawyer Hotel starting at $281
  • Westin Sacramento starting at $223
  • Arden Star Hotel starting at $132
  • Inn Off Capitol Park an Ascend Hotel Collection Member starting at $200
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Sacramento

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Sacramento

Sacramento lacks an efficient public transit system. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Sadly, much of the city is not particularly pedestrian-friendly. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $51 per person, per day, on local transportation in Sacramento. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sacramento is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $51

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer for $112 details
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer for $222 details
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $224 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Sacramento
How much does it cost to go to Sacramento? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Sacramento
The price of renting a car in Sacramento will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Sacramento

The food in Sacramento is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the city worth checking out. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Sacramento can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sacramento is $92 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $92

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sacramento is around $92 ($92) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $174. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Sacramento are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $27
  • Lunch: $14 to $37
  • Dinner: $27 to $64
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Being a major city and California's capital city, Sacramento has a full range of dining options, the most unique of which are largely concentrated in the central district of the city. Here in the downtown, visitors will find hip and trendy restaurants serving food of all ethnicities, while the surrounding neighborhoods reflect the local tastes. Sacramento has also named itself "America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital" since many restaurants source their food locally from surrounding farms. As far as beverages go, the city is again proud of its local resources with more than 60 microbreweries and a plethora of community coffee roasters. Sacramento is also host to events like Cal Expo’s Grape and Gourmet, Sacramento Beer Week, Sacramento Cocktail Week, and the annual California Beer Craft Summit.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Sacramento, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour for $115 details
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour for $98 details
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour for $140 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sacramento

The reason people visit Sacramento is clear, as it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sacramento typically cost an average of $19 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $19

A first stop for many visitors to the city is the State Capitol and Museum, which documents the history of California and offers daily tours of the capitol building, its legislative chambers, and restored historic offices. The California Museum, home to the California Hall of Fame, is located just one block from the Capitol in the State Archives Building. Also popular is the California State Railroad Museum, which features two stories of railroad history, old locomotives, exhibits, and excursion train rides. This museum, as well as the Sacramento History Museum, are located within the historic district of Old Sacramento. The History Museum explores the local region's history from before the Gold Rush to the present throughout the museum’s two floors of interactive galleries. Another ode to the city's past exists in the Sutter Fort State Historic Park. The 19th-century fort was once an agricultural and trade colony in the Mexican Alta California province, and the first non-indigenous settlement in the California Central Valley.

Beyond history, the current culture of Sacramento is also alive and thriving. The Crocker Art Museum is the longest continuously-operating art museum in the West, featuring California art as well as diverse international works. For families, other popular attractions include the Sacramento Zoo, which houses nearly 15 acres with native and endangered species, and the nearby Fairytale Town, featuring a storybook-themed park with animals, gardens, and a cafe.



With a history founded in the Gold Rush, Sacramento is a place that attracts history buffs from all over. Whether you're an expert or not, Old Sacramento's historic tours provide interesting insights into the city's past. Steam train rides are also very popular.

For an escape from the city bustle, Sacramento also has a scenic park in the center of the downtown, called Cesar Chavez Park, where outdoor concerts are often held. If that is not enough, travelers can also head to the outskirts of the city to Folsom Lake. This Reservoir sits on the American River with swimming beaches, boat launches, picnic areas, campgrounds. During the summer, it is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, biking, sailing, kayaking, or jet-skiing.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Sacramento is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. 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.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sacramento. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Nevada City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game for $25 details
  • Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour for $98 details
  • Sacramento Street Art Walking Tour - See the Murals Sacramento is Famous For for $45 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Sacramento

When it comes to nightlife, Sacramento has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $12 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sacramento per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $12
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Sacramento. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl for $12 details
  • Placer County Wine Tasting Pass for $19 details
  • Apple Hill and Carson Road Digital Wine Tasting with Pass for $19 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Sacramento

  • Prices usually spike during peak season in summer, and the city tends to be quite busy. To save some cash and steer clear of the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Sacramento doesn't offer many public transportation choices. It might be a good idea to rent a car or arrange for transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just keep in mind that this could affect your budget in other areas.
  • Sacramento doesn't offer many hostel choices, so if you planned to stay in a budget dorm, it's time to rethink your options. Instead, look for a low-cost hotel or an apartment rental.
Traveling in Sacramento
Sacramento Sacramento, California

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, Sacramento's downtown serves at the hub for experiencing the modern culture of the city. Home to the California State Capitol and its museum, the downtown is also the political center. It is here where locals and visitors will find the busiest dining and nightlife scene with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, cocktail bars, and performing arts theaters, as well as museums and fine art galleries. As Sacramento is one of the cheapest places to live in California (which can be quite expensive), this city is full of thriving businesses and a busy economy.

Old Sacramento is a neighborhood of the downtown along the riverfront that makes up Sacramento's historic district with Gold Rush-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages reminiscent of the city's pioneer days. Like the rest of downtown, Old Sacramento has many restaurants and souvenir shops, especially targeted at tourists looking to revisit the famous Gold Rush days.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.