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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Richmond? 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati and Richmond: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Richmond?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Richmond than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Richmond, Richmond has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Richmond is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its cultural and historical sights. It is also home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cincinnati
Richmond

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Cincinnati and Richmond.

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 Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.


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

Cincinnati
Richmond

Richmond 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 Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Richmond

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

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 Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Richmond?

Cincinnati
Richmond

Shopping is a popular activity in both Richmond 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.

Richmond has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Cincinnati or Richmond Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Richmond

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Richmond.

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.

Richmond offers lots of family activities. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Cincinnati or Richmond Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Richmond

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

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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 Richmond Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Richmond

Cincinnati is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.


Is Cincinnati or Richmond Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Richmond

Richmond is a popular place for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Richmond is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati
Richmond

Cincinnati is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Cincinnati or Richmond a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Richmond

Cincinnati is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.


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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cincinnati or Richmond to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cincinnati or Richmond?

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

A weekend in Cincinnati or Richmond?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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.

Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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.

Richmond 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.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Richmond $72

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 Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

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 Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Richmond $13

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking 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
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati: $9.59
  • Queen of the West's Best - An Audio Tour: $12
  • Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $16
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Phantoms of Franklin Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Richmond -

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 Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Richmond, 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 Richmond Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Richmond?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Richmond. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Richmond. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Richmond averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond 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 Richmond during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Richmond. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Richmond. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Cincinnati is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Richmond can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati can get quite cold in the winter. Cincinnati is much colder than Richmond in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Richmond fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than Richmond during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Richmond. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Cincinnati is around the same temperature as Richmond. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Richmond averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. In the spring, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in April than Richmond. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)