A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sacramento vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sacramento or Edmonton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Edmonton, 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.

Sacramento

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

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Sacramento and Edmonton: 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
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Sacramento or Edmonton?

Both Edmonton and Sacramento have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Sacramento is very popular for its food, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its shopping. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Sacramento different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sacramento
Edmonton

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sacramento and Edmonton.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Edmonton. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.


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

Sacramento
Edmonton

Sacramento is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Sacramento or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento
Edmonton

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sacramento and Edmonton.

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.

Edmonton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Edmonton?

Sacramento
Edmonton

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

Edmonton is well-known for its shopping. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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 Sacramento or Edmonton Better for Families?

Sacramento
Edmonton

Sacramento and Edmonton are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Sacramento is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Edmonton. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Sacramento or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Sacramento
Edmonton

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

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

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

Sacramento
Edmonton

Edmonton 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.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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


Is Sacramento or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Sacramento
Edmonton

Edmonton 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.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are 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 Sacramento Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sacramento or Edmonton to fill your time. In our opinion, Edmonton has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Edmonton than Sacramento. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Sacramento or Edmonton?

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.

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

A weekend in Sacramento or Edmonton?

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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Edmonton, 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 Sacramento or Edmonton?

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.

Edmonton, 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 Sacramento or Edmonton?

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.

Edmonton 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Edmonton or Sacramento?

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

  • Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
    Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sacramento $320
    Edmonton $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $320, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $191. 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 Sacramento and Edmonton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Edmonton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Edmonton

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Edmonton? 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 Sacramento


Hotels in Edmonton


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices and Edmonton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Edmonton $79

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $120
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Edmonton?

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

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

Typical Food Prices in Edmonton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Edmonton $91

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

Tours and Activities in Edmonton

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

  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton City Highlights 2 Hour E-Scooter Tour: $93
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, E-Bike Upgrade Avail.: $99
  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • Edmonton Food Bike Tour: $146
  • Edmonton Food Walk Tour: $102
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $54
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Edmonton -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento and Edmonton, 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.