Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Cincinnati?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cincinnati or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cincinnati or Tucson? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cincinnati or Tucson?
Cincinnati
Located on the north banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio having grown from its industrial heritage. It is situated in the southwest part of the state, separated from the Kentucky border by the river. The city is best known for its striking skyline and unique chili.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
-
Cincinnati Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCincinnati $223Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCincinnati $102Tucson $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCincinnati $204Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cincinnati $25Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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 dayCincinnati $95Tucson $63
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: $71
- City Highlights and Food Tour by Streetcar: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cincinnati $26Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Cincinnati
Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
- Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket: $23
- Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise: $59
- Food Walking Tour: $78
- Historic Sightseeing Cruise: $36
- Riverboat Cruise with Lunch and Entertainment: $57
- Streetcar Food and Culture Tour: $89
- Sunset Sightseeing Cruise on the Ohio River: $36
- Great American Ball Park Tour with Reds HOF & Museum Entry: $30
- Phantoms of the Pig Iron Past: Cursed Cincinnati Ghost Tours: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCincinnati $11Tucson $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and Tucson, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.