Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sacramento or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Kailua-Kona, 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.
Where Should I go: Sacramento or Kailua-Kona?
Sacramento
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
-
Sacramento Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySacramento $320Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $320, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSacramento $111Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSacramento $222Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Kailua-Kona? 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.
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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sacramento $51Kailua-Kona $45
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
- Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $186
- Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
- Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 daySacramento $92Kailua-Kona $100
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
- Thai Cooking Class in Southeastern Sacramento (4-Course Menu): $108
- Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
- Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
- Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sacramento $19Kailua-Kona $40
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
- Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
-
Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$47
-
2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySacramento $12Kailua-Kona $15
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 Sacramento and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Kailua-Kona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kailua-Kona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sacramento Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Kailua-Kona?
Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento and Kailua-Kona, 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 Sacramento or Kailua-Kona?
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 Sacramento or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Kailua-Kona. The summer months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sacramento is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 76°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In the summer, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Sacramento gets 439 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
Sacramento usually gets less rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySacramento 76°F (24°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Sacramento or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.
Sacramento is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Sacramento gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSacramento 64°F (18°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Sacramento or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Sacramento during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sacramento is much colder than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sacramento in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
In the winter, Sacramento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kailua-Kona. Sacramento gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sacramento usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kailua-Kona. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySacramento 45°F (7°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Sacramento or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Kailua-Kona.
In April, Sacramento is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 58°F (15°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Sacramento gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSacramento 58°F (15°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Sacramento
| Sacramento | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 45°F (7°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 51°F (10°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 76°F (24°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 45°F (7°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.