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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Monterey? 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Monterey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Cincinnati and Monterey are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Monterey specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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.

Is Cincinnati or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cincinnati or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a popular place for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Monterey?

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

Monterey is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey 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, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati and Monterey 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.

Monterey is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Cincinnati is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Cincinnati or Monterey a more walkable city?

Cincinnati and Monterey both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cincinnati or Monterey?

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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing city of Monterey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Monterey?

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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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.

Monterey 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 comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Monterey, we can see that Cincinnati 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Monterey?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Monterey averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In October, Cincinnati is generally cooler than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Monterey. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Monterey in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Cincinnati usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Monterey. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cincinnati or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Monterey. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Monterey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Monterey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Monterey. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Cincinnati