A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Alexandria vs. Cleveland for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Cleveland?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Cleveland. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Alexandria and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Alexandria or Cleveland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Alexandria than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Alexandria is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Alexandria is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Alexandria different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Cleveland?

Alexandria
Cleveland

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Cleveland and Alexandria.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria
Cleveland

The vibe at night is notable in both Alexandria and Cleveland.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for Music?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Cleveland is great for its music scene. However, Alexandria is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Cleveland draws a good crowd. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Alexandria is not a live music destination.


Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Cleveland?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for Families?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Cleveland is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cleveland offers lots of family activities. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Alexandria makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Alexandria or Cleveland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.


Is Alexandria or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Alexandria
Cleveland

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Cleveland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Cleveland 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Alexandria or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alexandria 2-4 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Alexandria or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Alexandria or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Cleveland, 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 Alexandria or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cleveland, 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 Alexandria or Cleveland?

Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cleveland 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $132. 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 Alexandria and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $38
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $76
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Cleveland? 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 Alexandria


Hotels in Cleveland


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -
    Cleveland $36

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria -
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $77
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $239
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria -
    Cleveland $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

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

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Cleveland, we can see that Cleveland is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Cleveland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cleveland than you might in Alexandria.

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


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Cleveland, 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 Alexandria or Cleveland?

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 Alexandria or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Cleveland. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alexandria is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alexandria usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Cleveland. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cleveland in the winter. The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. Alexandria is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Alexandria or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In the spring, Alexandria is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the spring, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Alexandria

Alexandria Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)