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

Should you visit Sacramento or Ottawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento or Ottawa, 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 undiscovered, laid back, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sacramento travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Sacramento and Ottawa: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Sacramento or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sacramento than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Sacramento, Sacramento has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sacramento is popular for its history and state capital. It is also home to the California State Railroad Museum. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Sacramento different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Sacramento
Ottawa

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

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 Ottawa. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.


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

Sacramento
Ottawa

Both Sacramento and Ottawa offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ottawa area. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Sacramento or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento
Ottawa

Sacramento is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Ottawa?

Sacramento
Ottawa

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Sacramento and Ottawa.

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.

Many visitors go to Ottawa to go shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.


Is Sacramento or Ottawa Better for Families?

Sacramento
Ottawa

Sacramento and Ottawa are both good 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 Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Sacramento or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Sacramento
Ottawa

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

Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

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 Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sacramento
Ottawa

Ottawa 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 Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

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 Sacramento or Ottawa Better for Students?

Sacramento
Ottawa

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Ottawa. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Sacramento is not popular with students.

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

Sacramento
Ottawa

Ottawa 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.

Ottawa has some public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

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

Is Sacramento or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Sacramento
Ottawa

Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the urban neighborhoods 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 Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sacramento and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ottawa than in Sacramento. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Sacramento, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

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


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

One day in Sacramento or Ottawa?

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

With museums and food around the friendly city of Ottawa, 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.

A weekend in Sacramento or Ottawa?

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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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.

Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back 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.

Ottawa 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa 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
    Ottawa Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sacramento $320
    Ottawa $134

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $320, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $134. 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 Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa


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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Ottawa $7.21

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 City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $186
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $216
  • Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Sacramento or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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
    Ottawa $29

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $76
  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $77
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $106
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
  • Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Ottawa $40

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
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

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

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
  • A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $351
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
  • Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River: $159
  • Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
  • Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $23
  • Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $458
  • Experience Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour: $73
  • Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $234
  • Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $351
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $286
  • Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Ottawa $18

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 Ottawa

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

  • Chelsea: Guided tour of the Square Distillery: $25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sacramento or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sacramento in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sacramento is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sacramento in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Sacramento gets 439 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sacramento usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Sacramento gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Sacramento or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Sacramento during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sacramento for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Sacramento is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Sacramento average around 64°F (18°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. In the autumn, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Sacramento gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Sacramento gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sacramento or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sacramento and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Sacramento because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. Sacramento is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Sacramento averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Sacramento gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sacramento usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Sacramento gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Sacramento or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sacramento as well as Ottawa.

In the spring, Sacramento is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sacramento in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In the spring, Sacramento often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Sacramento gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Sacramento gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Sacramento

Sacramento Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)