Ways to enjoy Sacramento, California, on a budget in 2025

Sacramento offers many ways to have fun without spending a lot. Try affordable meals at places like Rice Theory, where you can pick up musubi and onigiri, or look forward to new budget-friendly options as The Habit Burger Grill expands nearby.

For unique entertainment, visit the city’s only drive-in theater or check out Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, known for its reasonable prices on food and craft beer. Shopping at Ross Dress For Less and exploring thrift stores can also make for a fun day out while saving money.

A selection of salmon inari ($4.95 each), in some cases complemented by miso, avocado or shiso yuzu, are ready to serve as customers place orders at Rice Theory on Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. By NATHANIEL LEVINE

NO. 1: MUSUBI, INARI, ONIGIRI: THIS NEW SACRAMENTO CAFE REVOLVES AROUND ALL THINGS RICE

Rice Theory’s mix of low-commitment items, cute branding and bold flavors tempered by sushi rice have brought steady lines since Day 1. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Benjy Egel

Isabella Rodriguez and Jordan Collins, students at Sacramento Charter High School, talk about their budgets during a financial literacy simulation held by Golden 1 Credit Union at the school on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The program helps students learn about financial literacy by giving them a hands-on experience at 10 different booths – each representing life expenses such as housing, childcare, transportation or food – where they must manage a budget based on a fictional lifestyle. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 2: LUXURY OR THRIFT? SACRAMENTO HIGH STUDENTS PRACTICE FINANCIAL LITERACY

Childcare. Rent. Car payments. How do you manage it all? | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story

The Teriyaki Charburger is on the menu at The Habit Burger Grill. It will open its newest location in Fresno soon. By Special to the Bee

NO. 3: THE HABIT BURGER CHAIN IS ADDING 2 NEW LOCATIONS IN THE SACRAMENTO AREA. HERE’S WHERE

The fast-casual restaurant chain already has more than a dozen locations across the capitol region. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marcus D. Smith

The Can Van processes cans of beer on Thursday Jan. 29, 2019 for Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse in Sacramento. By Hector Amezcua

NO. 4: SACRAMENTO HAS ONE OF THE BEST BREWPUBS IN THE NATION, USA TODAY SAYS. WHERE TO FIND IT

You can get beer, burgers and barbecue at decent prices at this local brewery. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

Ross Dress For Less will open at 5712 Folsom Blvd. in East Sacramento. By Ishani Desai

NO. 5: NEW ROSS DRESS FOR LESS IS OPENING IN SACRAMENTO. HERE’S WHERE AND WHEN

The discount retailer chain sells clothing, home decor and more for 20% to 60% off department store prices. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado

The Bee’s service journalism reporter Brianna Taylor poses with a $10 margarita at Drakes: The Barn in West Sacramento. She’s sharing her Sacramento discoveries through on $25 activity at a time.

NO. 6: LOOKING FOR CHEAP EATS AND ACTIVITIES IN SACRAMENTO? WE’LL CHECK OUT LOCAL SPOTS FOR YOU

Help us, help you. Submit your tips and questions about affordable dining and entertainment in the capital region. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sacramento Bee Staff

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.