A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Sacramento for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit La Paz or Sacramento?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Sacramento can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See La Paz travel costs.

Sacramento

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

La Paz and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Sacramento?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Paz than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Paz is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach. Sacramento is well known for its history and state capital.

How is La Paz different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Sacramento?

La Paz
Sacramento

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both La Paz and Sacramento.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sacramento. 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.


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

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

La Paz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. 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 La Paz or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Sacramento

Evening events are notable in both La Paz and Sacramento.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 La Paz or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Sacramento

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

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Sacramento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to La Paz to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Sacramento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is very popular for the beach. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in La Paz are among the best in the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Sacramento?

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

La Paz is well-known for its shopping. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. 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 La Paz or Sacramento Better for Families?

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz 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, La Paz is very family-friendly. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Sacramento Better for Couples?

La Paz
Sacramento

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

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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 La Paz or Sacramento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its public transit.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Sacramento a more walkable city?

La Paz
Sacramento

La Paz is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Sacramento?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.


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

One day in La Paz or Sacramento?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural city of La Paz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sacramento. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in La Paz or Sacramento?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of La Paz, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Sacramento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Sacramento?

La Paz, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sacramento. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Sacramento?

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or La Paz?

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

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, 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 La Paz and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159

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 La Paz or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Sacramento $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

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.
    La Paz $11
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling Tour: $167
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $127
  • Birding La Paz Mexico 4hrs.Tour : $160
  • Birding Tour in La Paz Mexico: $177
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • Cultural and Culinary Tour of El Triunfo, Baja California Sur: $250
  • Desert Off Road Adventure Tour in La Paz: $261
  • Desert and Dunes ATV Adventure in La Paz BCS Mexico: $195
  • Espíritu Santo and Balandra Beach Combo Tour: Sea Lion Snorkeling: $250
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

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
    La Paz $11
    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 La Paz and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Sacramento in the Summer?

Both Sacramento and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is a little warmer than Sacramento in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Sacramento fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Sacramento. The autumn months attract visitors to La Paz because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

In the autumn, La Paz is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Sacramento averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Sacramento. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Sacramento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Sacramento. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, La Paz is generally much warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Sacramento. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches.

La Paz is much warmer than Sacramento in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Sacramento fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Sacramento. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and La Paz

La Paz Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)