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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Phoenix? 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a desert, laid back, and sprawling city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cincinnati and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Phoenix than Cincinnati, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Phoenix is more popular for its food and hiking, while Cincinnati is known for its museums. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. Phoenix is popular for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. It is also home to Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Cincinnati different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Cincinnati is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cincinnati. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.


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

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

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

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 Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Cincinnati or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Phoenix is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Phoenix?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Shopping is a popular activity in both Phoenix 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.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Cincinnati or Phoenix Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Phoenix.

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.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Cincinnati or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

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

Phoenix makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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 Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Cincinnati is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Cincinnati is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Cincinnati is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Cincinnati or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Phoenix

Cincinnati is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.


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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Phoenix?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Phoenix 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 Phoenix? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Phoenix 1-3

One day in Cincinnati or Phoenix?

In Cincinnati, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phoenix, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Phoenix?

In Cincinnati, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Cincinnati is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cincinnati. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Phoenix $39

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 Phoenix

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $149
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $110
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $96
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

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

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Phoenix $40

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 Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $19
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Tour: $89

Tours and Activities in Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $28
  • Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
  • Urban Adventure Quest Scavenger Hunt in Phoenix: $44
  • Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour via Smartphone: $49
  • Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket: $55
  • Phoenix Suns Basketball Game Ticket at Footprint Center: $56
  • Discover Phoenix! City Tour: $65
  • Gold Rush - Guided Hiking & Gold Panning Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Phoenix $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
  • 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 Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix/Tempe: $199
  • Haunted Jerome Wine & Brewery tasting from Scottsdale: $225
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Cincinnati much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cincinnati would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cincinnati 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Cincinnati.

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Cincinnati during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Cincinnati is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the museums and the shopping scene. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The weather in Cincinnati can be very cold. Cincinnati is much colder than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Cincinnati is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)