Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Cincinnati?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Cincinnati or Pocono Mountains? 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 is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Pocono Mountains is a magnificent, relaxing, and scenic region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Cincinnati, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Cincinnati. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Pocono Mountains is well known for winter skiing. However, Cincinnati is not a skiing destination.
People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.
Cincinnati is not a skiing destination.
Cincinnati is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.
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.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.
Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.
Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.
Cincinnati is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.
There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.
Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.
With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.
Cincinnati is not a resort destination.
Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.
You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.
Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Pocono Mountains 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.
Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.
Pocono Mountains is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.
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.
Pocono Mountains is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.
Couples visit Pocono Mountains frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.
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.
Pocono Mountains is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Pocono Mountains is a great region to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.
Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.
Cincinnati is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.
Cincinnati has a few 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 mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.
Cincinnati is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.
Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.
Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.
For even more information, also check out Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.
Both Cincinnati and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.
Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Cincinnati. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Cincinnati. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
With museums and skiing around the magnificent region of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic city of Cincinnati. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
With skiing and food around the destination of Pocono Mountains, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Cincinnati is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Pocono Mountains, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Cincinnati is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this region 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.
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 Pocono Mountains is $174. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Pocono Mountains? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:
Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.
Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.
Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Pocono Mountains, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.
Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.
Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Pocono Mountains and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the museums and the shopping scene. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.
It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. The weather in Cincinnati can be very cold. In January, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Pocono Mountains and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.
Cincinnati is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.
Cincinnati usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Cincinnati | Pocono Mountains | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Mar | 46°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
Aug | 77°F (25°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) |
Sep | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Oct | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
Nov | 48°F (9°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |