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

Should you visit Austin or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Austin or Cleveland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Cleveland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Austin different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin
Cleveland

Both Austin and Cleveland have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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 Austin or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin or Cleveland Better for Music?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin is an amazing city to visit for live music. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Cleveland. 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.


Is Austin or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Cleveland?

Austin
Cleveland

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cleveland and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cleveland. 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 Austin or Cleveland Better for Families?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin and Cleveland are both good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

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.


Is Austin or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Austin
Cleveland

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

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best 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 Austin or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin or Cleveland Better for Students?

Austin
Cleveland

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

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Cleveland is not popular with students.


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

Austin
Cleveland

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and Cleveland.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Public transit is mostly 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 Austin or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Austin
Cleveland

Austin and Cleveland both are decent when exploring on foot.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Austin?

How long in Austin or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Cleveland. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Cleveland. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

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


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

One day in Austin or Cleveland?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. 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.

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


A weekend in Austin or Cleveland?

You'll find live music and food around the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. 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.

Cleveland 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.

Five days in Austin or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the eccentric city of Austin. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cleveland. 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.

A week in Austin or Cleveland?

Austin 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Austin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, 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 Austin and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Austin and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Austin 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 Austin


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: Austin Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Cleveland $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150

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:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Austin 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
    Austin $35
    Cleveland $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • East Austin Food Tour: $44
  • Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $96
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $106
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125

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.
    Austin $28
    Cleveland $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $99
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $230
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $451
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Cleveland $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $175

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 comparing the travel costs between Austin and Cleveland, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Austin or Cleveland?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin or Cleveland?

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 Austin or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Cleveland. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

Austin is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Austin usually gets less rain in July than Cleveland. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Austin or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Austin or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Austin or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Cleveland. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Austin is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Austin

Austin Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)