A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Cape Cod for Families and Couples

Should you visit Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cape Cod? 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a laid-back, wealthy, and maritime beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Cincinnati and Cape Cod: 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
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cincinnati and Cape Cod are both popular with visitors, Cape Cod has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cape Cod is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also home to The Cape Cod National Seashore. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cincinnati is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cincinnati. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cincinnati is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cincinnati or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a popular place for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Cincinnati or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is well known for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is Cincinnati or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod is a good destination for hiking. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly beach destination. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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.

Is Cincinnati or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

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

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cincinnati is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.


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

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cincinnati is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Cincinnati or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Cape Cod

Cincinnati is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

Both Cincinnati and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Cape Cod 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 Cincinnati or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

The city of Cincinnati offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

Cincinnati is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cincinnati, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

Cincinnati is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cape Cod, a popular beach destination, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

Cincinnati is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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 Cincinnati and Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Cape Cod $50

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 Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60

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
    Cape Cod $27

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: $17

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Yoga and National Seashore with guided Hike Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Cape Cod $19

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 Cincinnati and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Cape Cod Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cincinnati or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Cape Cod, 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 Cape Cod. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cape Cod. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cape Cod in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Cape Cod in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Cape Cod. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cape Cod in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cincinnati is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In April, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)