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

Should you visit Atlanta or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Cleveland, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Cleveland

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

Atlanta and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Cleveland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlanta than Cleveland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlanta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Atlanta is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Atlanta different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cleveland. 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 Atlanta or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Atlanta or Cleveland Better for Music?

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

Cleveland has a thriving music scene. 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.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Cleveland?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Atlanta or Cleveland Better for Families?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly destination. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. 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.

Is Atlanta or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

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 Atlanta or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

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 Atlanta or Cleveland Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Atlanta and Cleveland both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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 Atlanta or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Cleveland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Atlanta or Cleveland?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Cleveland, you'll find nightlife and live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Atlanta or Cleveland?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Cleveland, you'll find live music and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Atlanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cleveland is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Cleveland?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cleveland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Cleveland. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°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 Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Cleveland. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Atlanta is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. Atlanta is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°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 Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Cleveland. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Atlanta