A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Hilton Head Island for Families and Couples

Should you visit Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island? 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.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Cincinnati and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hilton Head Island. Although Cincinnati and Hilton Head Island are both popular with visitors, Hilton Head Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hilton Head Island is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and nightlife. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. It is also home to The Harbour Town Lighthouse. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Cincinnati is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Cincinnati is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is well known for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is well known for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

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

Hilton Head Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Cincinnati is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Cincinnati is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island 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 limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.


Is Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Hilton Head Island

Cincinnati is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Hilton Head Island 5-7

One day in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With shopping and food around the beautiful coastal town of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Cincinnati is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic city of Cincinnati. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer.

With food and shopping around the destination of Hilton Head Island, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Cincinnati. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Hilton Head Island, a popular coastal town, 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 coastal town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

Cincinnati is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Hilton Head Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town 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, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island is $212. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island


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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Hilton Head Island $34

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 Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Hilton Head Island $23

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 Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Hilton Head Island $26

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 Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Hilton Head Island. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Cincinnati can get quite cold in the winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Hilton Head Island. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cincinnati is cooler than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)