A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cincinnati vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cincinnati or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Vernon? 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Cincinnati and Vernon: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vernon. Although Cincinnati and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Vernon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vernon is more popular for its hiking, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Vernon is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also home to Davison Orchards Country Village. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cincinnati
Vernon

Cincinnati is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cincinnati can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.


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

Cincinnati
Vernon

Foodies will find both Cincinnati and Vernon both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cincinnati. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Cincinnati or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Vernon

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Cincinnati or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Vernon

Vernon is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Vernon?

Cincinnati
Vernon

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vernon 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.

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Cincinnati or Vernon Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Vernon

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Vernon.

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.

Vernon offers lots of family activities. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Cincinnati or Vernon Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Vernon

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

Vernon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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 Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Vernon

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Cincinnati
Vernon

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Cincinnati or Vernon a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Vernon

Cincinnati is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.


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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Vernon?

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

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

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

One day in Cincinnati or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cincinnati. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and food around the quiet town of Vernon, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Vernon?

Cincinnati is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Cincinnati or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Cincinnati. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cincinnati $223
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Vernon -

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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 $95
    Vernon $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Vernon -

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Vernon $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Vernon?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Vernon. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Vernon. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Vernon in the Winter?

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

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. Cincinnati is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Vernon. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Vernon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)