A Travel Price Comparison for Ohio Cincinnati vs. Cleveland for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cincinnati or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cleveland? 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 hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

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

Cincinnati and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cleveland than Cincinnati. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also well known for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Cincinnati different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Cincinnati and Cleveland.

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 Cleveland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Cincinnati or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cleveland is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

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.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Cincinnati or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is well known for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Cleveland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cincinnati or Cleveland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Cleveland.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. 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.

Cleveland offers lots of family activities. 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 Cincinnati or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Most people don't think of either Cincinnati or Cleveland as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Cincinnati as a couple's destination. 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.

Cleveland is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Cincinnati or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cincinnati has some 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.

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 Cincinnati or Cleveland a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cleveland than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

One day in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

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.

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

A weekend in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hard-working 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.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Cleveland, 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.

Five days in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

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.

Cleveland, 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.

A week in Cincinnati or Cleveland?

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.

Cleveland 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 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and Cleveland, we can see that Cincinnati 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 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 Cleveland.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°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 Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Cleveland. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cincinnati is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Cleveland.

In April, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°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 Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Cincinnati