A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Boston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cincinnati or Boston?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Boston? 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.

Where Should I go: Cincinnati or Boston?

Cincinnati

Located on the north banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio having grown from its industrial heritage. It is situated in the southwest part of the state, separated from the Kentucky border by the river. The city is best known for its striking skyline and unique chili.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

Which place is cheaper, Boston 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 Boston is $254. 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 Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Boston? 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 Boston


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 Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Boston $35

Typical Local Transportation prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Private Round trip transfer : $62
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $172
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $248
  • Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Shuttle Service: $140
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $699
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Boston Airport BOS: $28
  • Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston 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
    Boston $49

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: $56
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $75
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $49
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • The Ultimate Boston Food Tour: $67
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $75
  • Boston's North End Food Tour Small Group Walking Tour: $75
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $82
  • Boston's North End: Secret Food Tour: $87
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: Freedom Trail & North End: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Boston $33

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Cincinnati by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $21
  • Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Ohio River: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $26
  • Historic Sightseeing Cruise: $27
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28
  • Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour: $29
  • Haunted Tour in Mount Healthy from Cincinnati: $29

Typical Entertainment prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Boston Christmas Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Boston's Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Audio Tour Walking Tour: $5.00
  • The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
  • Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Audio/GPS Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
  • Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $5.75
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
  • Extended Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Haunted Cincinnati Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • 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 Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $33
  • Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Boston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $36
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Freedom Trail Bar Crawl Smartphone Audio Guide: $72
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Boston?

Boston is bigger, and its population is about 92% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the population of Cincinnati vs. Boston, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cincinnati or Boston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Boston. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°C), and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Boston during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Boston. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Boston. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Boston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. In the winter, Cincinnati is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Boston averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Boston during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Boston. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the spring, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Boston. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Cincinnati vs. Boston Travel Comparison

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