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

Should you visit Baltimore or Cleveland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Cleveland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore than Cleveland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Baltimore is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its music. Baltimore is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Baltimore different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Baltimore and Cleveland.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Baltimore or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is well known for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Cleveland?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Cleveland Better for Families?

Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Cleveland Better for Couples?

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

Baltimore is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Baltimore or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Baltimore can move around easily with public transportation. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail 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 Baltimore or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Cleveland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cleveland. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Cleveland. 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.

Five days in Baltimore or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Baltimore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the under-rated city of Cleveland. 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.

A week in Baltimore or Cleveland?

Baltimore 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.

Cleveland 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Cleveland, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Cleveland?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Cleveland. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), 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 Baltimore this time of the year. In the summer, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Cleveland. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cleveland. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Baltimore often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Cleveland. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Baltimore