A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Charlotte or Cincinnati?

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 Charlotte and Cincinnati can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Charlotte and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte than Cincinnati, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Charlotte is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Cincinnati is known for its museums. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Charlotte different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cincinnati specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.


Is the Food Better in Charlotte or Cincinnati? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Charlotte is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Charlotte. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Charlotte or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

The vibe at night is good in both Charlotte and Cincinnati.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlotte has a few options to choose from. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cincinnati. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Cincinnati both offer plenty of good spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Cincinnati is a great destination for shopping. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.


Is Charlotte or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Cincinnati.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Cincinnati is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Charlotte or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Charlotte is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Charlotte makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Charlotte or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.


Is Charlotte or Cincinnati Better for Students?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Charlotte is a popular place for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Charlotte is popular with students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Is Charlotte or Cincinnati Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Charlotte and Cincinnati both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Cincinnati has a few public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Charlotte or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Charlotte
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.


For even more information, also check out Is Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Charlotte or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Charlotte than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Charlotte 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 Cincinnati.


  • How many days in Charlotte or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Charlotte 1-3 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Charlotte or Cincinnati?

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

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

A weekend in Charlotte or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Charlotte, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Cincinnati. 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 Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Charlotte, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the blue collar city of Cincinnati. 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 Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Charlotte 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.

Cincinnati 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Charlotte?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $183. 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 Charlotte and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $118
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $236
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Cincinnati? 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 Charlotte


Hotels in Cincinnati


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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $33
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

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

  • Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $132
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
  • Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $132
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Charlotte 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
    Charlotte $46
    Cincinnati $55
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

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

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $43
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
  • Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
  • Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
  • UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • UPTOWN AT SUNDOWN: 1 Hour Guided Arts Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $20
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

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

  • Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
  • Original Charlotte Brewery Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $125
  • Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Cincinnati, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Cincinnati Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Cincinnati?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte and Cincinnati, 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 Charlotte or Cincinnati?

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 Charlotte or Cincinnati in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Cincinnati. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun.

Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

Both Cincinnati and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.

Charlotte is a little warmer than Cincinnati in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Cincinnati in the Winter?

Both Cincinnati and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. In the winter, Charlotte is much warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Cincinnati. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Cincinnati in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Cincinnati. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city.

In April, Charlotte is generally a little warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cincinnati. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Charlotte

Charlotte Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)