A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia?

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.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.

Which city is cheaper, Philadelphia or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $146, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $151. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cincinnati and Philadelphia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $82
    Philadelphia $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $164
    Philadelphia $190
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Philadelphia

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia


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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $20
    Philadelphia $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $122

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia

Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia City by SUV: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Limousine: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Minibus: $204
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Minivan: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by SUV: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer Philadelphia Train Station to Philadelphia by Sedan: $68
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia City to Philadelphia Airport PHL by SUV: $124
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Limousine: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Minibus: $204
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Minivan: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL by Sedan: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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 $44
    Philadelphia $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Cincy Vegan Streetcar Food Tour in Cincinnati: $69
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market: $69
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $180

Typical Food prices in Philadelphia

For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for 3)
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia

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

  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $44
  • Decadent Gourmet Food Tour: $44
  • Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
  • Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $54
  • South Philly Italian Family Dinner Tour: $75
  • Historic Food Tour: $78
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Philadelphia: $90
  • Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $107
  • Secret Food Tours Philadelphia w/ Private Tour Option: $193

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $21
    Philadelphia $22

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $30
  • Best Bites and Sites City Streetcar Tour of Cincinnati: $59
  • Cellarman's Tour: $26
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Eats in Over the Rhine Food and Culture Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Wine & Dessert Tour: $65
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $36
  • Cincy Let's Do Brunch Food, History + Streecar Tour: $74
  • Downtown Cincinnati Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone: $24
  • Explore Over-the-Rhine Cruise: $358
  • Ohio River: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $36
  • The Original Findlay Market Tour: $39

Typical Entertainment prices in Philadelphia

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Big Bus Tour (family of 3)
    $99

Tours and Activities in Philadelphia

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

  • Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: Explore the historic city on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.00
  • Ultimate Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Penn Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Philadelphia Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Franklin's Footsteps Walking Tour: $20
  • Skip the Line: Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket: $21
  • Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour: $21
  • Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour: $23
  • The Franklin Institute Admission Ticket: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $9.11
    Philadelphia $17

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
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Tour: $65

Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia

Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl: $45
  • Charleston: Haunted Bar Crawl with Tarot Reading: $64
  • Sip of Philly Brewery Tour: $79

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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.


When is the best time to visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Philadelphia. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the summer. The temperature in Cincinnati is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and Philadelphia stays around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Cincinnati usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October are around 58°F (15°C), and Philadelphia is about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In January, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Philadelphia stays around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Philadelphia. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Philadelphia in the spring. The temperature in Cincinnati is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and Philadelphia stays around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Philadelphia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 42°F (6°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 56°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)


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Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Travel Comparison

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