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

Should you visit Cincinnati or San Antonio?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or San Antonio? 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 hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a colorful, festive, and fun city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Cincinnati and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or San Antonio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Antonio than Cincinnati. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Antonio is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks. It is also well known for The Alamo. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cincinnati
San Antonio

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Cincinnati and San Antonio.

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 San Antonio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.


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

Cincinnati
San Antonio

San Antonio 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 San Antonio. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

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

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 San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for Music?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Cincinnati is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Cincinnati is not a live music destination.


Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its old town. However, Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to San Antonio to see the old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or San Antonio?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Antonio 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.

San Antonio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.

San Antonio offers some nice Christmas activities. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Cincinnati does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for Families?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

San Antonio is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Antonio is a very family-friendly destination. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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.

Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

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

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

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 San Antonio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

Cincinnati is a good destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.


Is Cincinnati or San Antonio Better for Students?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

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

San Antonio is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Cincinnati
San Antonio

Cincinnati is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is Cincinnati or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
San Antonio

Cincinnati is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or San Antonio?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cincinnati or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the blue collar city of Cincinnati. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With live music and food around the colorful city of San Antonio, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and shopping around the destination of San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

The hard-working city of Cincinnati offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Cincinnati. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

San Antonio 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, San Antonio 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 San Antonio is $132. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    San Antonio $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    San Antonio $138
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and San Antonio

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or San Antonio? 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 San Antonio


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 San Antonio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    San Antonio $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237
  • Private One-way San Antonio Airport Transfer To/From San Antonio: $67
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40

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 San Antonio

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

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    San Antonio $36

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • Self-Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $6.75
  • The Alamo In-App Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $10
  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • Briscoe Western Art Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $20
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $22
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • The Ghosts of San Antonio Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    San Antonio -

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 San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and San Antonio, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio 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 San Antonio.

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or San Antonio?

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

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

Both San Antonio and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cincinnati is generally cooler than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. Cincinnati usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio during summer. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Cincinnati during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

Cincinnati is much colder than San Antonio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and San Antonio fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cincinnati often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets less rain in October than San Antonio. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or San Antonio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and San Antonio. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. In the winter, Cincinnati is much colder than San Antonio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and San Antonio averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Cincinnati usually receives less sunshine than San Antonio during winter. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than San Antonio. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as San Antonio. Additionally, many visitors come to San Antonio in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cincinnati is generally much colder than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In the spring, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Antonio. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in April than San Antonio. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Cincinnati

Cincinnati San Antonio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)