Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Cincinnati?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cincinnati or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cincinnati or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls?
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.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCincinnati $183Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $183, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCincinnati $102Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCincinnati $204Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Niagara Falls? 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.
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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cincinnati $25Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:
- Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $263
- Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $131
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
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Food Meals for one dayCincinnati $55Niagara Falls $28
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 Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cincinnati $26Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Cincinnati
Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
- Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
- Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
- Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $7.75
- Queen of the West's Best - An Audio Tour: $12
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati: $12
- Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $12
- Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $17
- Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
- Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati: $25
- Ghost Walking Tour: $26
- Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCincinnati $11Niagara Falls $11
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 Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and Niagara Falls, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Niagara Falls?
Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?
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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Niagara Falls. The summer months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the family-friendly experiences.
Cincinnati is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCincinnati 79°F (26°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cincinnati or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Niagara Falls. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.
In the autumn, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.
Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than Niagara Falls. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCincinnati 58°F (15°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Cincinnati or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
Both Niagara Falls and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene.
Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. In January, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCincinnati 31°F (-0°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Cincinnati or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit.
Cincinnati is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.
Cincinnati usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCincinnati 56°F (14°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Cincinnati
| Cincinnati | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 46°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 77°F (25°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 48°F (9°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
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.