A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Minneapolis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Minneapolis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Clearwater and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Clearwater. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Clearwater attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Clearwater is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Clearwater different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis and Clearwater. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Both Clearwater and Minneapolis have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Is the Food Better in Clearwater or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Clearwater has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Minneapolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Clearwater are among the best in the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Clearwater. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Minneapolis are great family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Clearwater is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Minneapolis is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is notable for students. However, Clearwater is not popular with students.

Many students visit Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Clearwater is not popular with students.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Is Clearwater or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Clearwater and Minneapolis both are nice when exploring on foot.

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Clearwater or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Clearwater due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Clearwater 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 Minneapolis.

One day in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing coastal city of Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled coastal city of Clearwater. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis, 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 Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Clearwater. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Minneapolis, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Minneapolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minneapolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minneapolis 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Minneapolis.

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Minneapolis, 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 Clearwater or Minneapolis?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Clearwater is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Minneapolis. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Clearwater or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Minneapolis. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Minneapolis in the winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Clearwater or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of rain as Minneapolis. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Clearwater