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

Should you visit Cherokee or Sacramento?

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

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

Cherokee

Cherokee is a genuine, fascinating, and cultural town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cherokee travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sacramento travel costs.

Cherokee and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
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 Cherokee or Sacramento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cherokee. Although Cherokee and Sacramento are popular destinations, Cherokee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cherokee is very popular for its hiking, while Sacramento attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cherokee is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. It is also well known for Oconaluftee Indian Village. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Cherokee different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cherokee
Sacramento

Sacramento is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.


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

Cherokee
Sacramento

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cherokee and Sacramento can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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.

Is Cherokee or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Sacramento

Sacramento is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cherokee or Sacramento Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Sacramento

Cherokee is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Sacramento is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Sacramento is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Sacramento?

Cherokee
Sacramento

Both Cherokee and Sacramento are nice shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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.

Is Cherokee or Sacramento Better for Families?

Cherokee
Sacramento

Cherokee 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, Cherokee is very family-friendly. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Sacramento

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

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Sacramento

Cherokee is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

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

Cherokee
Sacramento

Both Cherokee and Sacramento offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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

Is Cherokee or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Sacramento

Cherokee and Sacramento both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

Sacramento is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Sacramento?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cherokee or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Cherokee or Sacramento?

With museums and food around the fascinating town of Cherokee, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Sacramento offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Sacramento?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cherokee, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Sacramento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sacramento, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Sacramento?

Cherokee, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Cherokee or Sacramento?

Cherokee 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Cherokee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Sacramento is $320. 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 Cherokee and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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 Cherokee


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    Sacramento $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18
  • Nevada City Haunted History Tour: $20
  • Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours: $24
  • Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    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:

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

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

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the summer, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cherokee or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Sacramento. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the shopping scene.

In October, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 63°F (17°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Cherokee. Cherokee is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Cherokee often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Sacramento. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Cherokee is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cherokee in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Cherokee

Cherokee Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)