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

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

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

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

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sacramento travel costs.

Pittsburgh and Sacramento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pittsburgh than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". It is also home to Mount Washington. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital.

How is Pittsburgh different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Sacramento and Pittsburgh.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Pittsburgh or Sacramento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

Both Pittsburgh and Sacramento offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Pittsburgh is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Sacramento offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Pittsburgh or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

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 the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

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

Pittsburgh has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Sacramento is a great destination for 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 Pittsburgh or Sacramento Better for Families?

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

Pittsburgh and Sacramento are both good destinations for the whole family.

Pittsburgh offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Sacramento is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Pittsburgh or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

Neither Pittsburgh or Sacramento is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Pittsburgh is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Sacramento is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh has some public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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


Is Pittsburgh or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh
Sacramento

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

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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 Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Sacramento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pittsburgh or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pittsburgh than Sacramento because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pittsburgh, and 1-2 days is enough time in Sacramento.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Pittsburgh or Sacramento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pittsburgh 2-3 
    Sacramento 1-2

One day in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the industrial city of Pittsburgh, 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.

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

A weekend in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pittsburgh, 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.

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


Five days in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

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

A week in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

Pittsburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sacramento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento or Pittsburgh?

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

  • Pittsburgh Prices
    USA Prices
    Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pittsburgh $220
    Sacramento $320

The average daily cost (per person) in Pittsburgh is $220, 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 Pittsburgh and Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pittsburgh $106
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pittsburgh $212
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Pittsburgh and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh


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: Pittsburgh Hotel Prices and Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pittsburgh $22
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento and Pittsburgh 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
    Pittsburgh $94
    Sacramento $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Handmade Sushi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Pittsburgh: $75
  • Downtown Pittsburgh Hidden Eats Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $95

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.
    Pittsburgh $38
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

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

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $59
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Black & Gold Sunset Tour: $33
  • Echoes from the Iron Forge: Pittsburgh Phantoms Ghost Tour: $32
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • Gems of Pittsburgh Bike Tour: $59
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $50
  • Holiday Lights Tour: $33
  • JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $45
  • Pittsburgh Historic Strip District Libation Tour: $60
  • Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PPG Paints Arena: $74

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • 60 Minute Adventures - The Escape Game at The Galleria: $42
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $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 Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • City Cruises Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise 21+: $49
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Granite Adventure at Quarry Park Adventures Rocklin, CA: $59
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pittsburgh $33
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $69
  • Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour: $89
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105

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

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


Which is Bigger, Pittsburgh or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Pittsburgh 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.