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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Alexandria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

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

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Alexandria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Alexandria than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Mount Vernon. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Cincinnati and Alexandria.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


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

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Alexandria 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 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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cincinnati and Alexandria.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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.

Is Cincinnati or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Alexandria is revered around the world. 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.

Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Alexandria?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Alexandria is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Alexandria is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Cincinnati or Alexandria Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

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

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. 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.

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 Cincinnati or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Alexandria is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Alexandria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 Cincinnati or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Cincinnati and Alexandria are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Alexandria can get you around easily. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Cincinnati or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Alexandria

Alexandria is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

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


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

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cincinnati or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Cincinnati or Alexandria?

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Alexandria?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cincinnati, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Alexandria, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Cincinnati or Alexandria?

Cincinnati, 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.

Alexandria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Cincinnati or Alexandria?

Cincinnati 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.

Alexandria 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Cincinnati?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Cincinnati and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Alexandria? 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 Cincinnati


Hotels in Alexandria


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Alexandria -

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 Cincinnati or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $55
    Alexandria -

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.
    Cincinnati $26
    Alexandria -

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

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Alexandria -

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

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


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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Alexandria?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Alexandria, 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 Cincinnati or Alexandria?

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 Cincinnati or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Cincinnati during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Alexandria. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Alexandria. The autumn months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In October, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Alexandria. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Alexandria. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Alexandria averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)