A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cleveland or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Anchorage?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Anchorage than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Anchorage, Anchorage has more sights and attractions for tourists. Anchorage is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is known for its museums, nightlife, and music. Anchorage is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also home to Chugach State Park. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cleveland or Anchorage?

Cleveland is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Cleveland or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Anchorage is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Music?

Cleveland is a well-known place for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Cleveland is very popular with diverse venues. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Anchorage?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cleveland and Anchorage.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Anchorage offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Families?

Cleveland and Anchorage are both good destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Anchorage. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cleveland is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Cleveland or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Cleveland and Anchorage are decent when it comes to walkability.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

Anchorage is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Cleveland Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Anchorage. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Anchorage than Cleveland 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 Anchorage.

One day in Cleveland or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cleveland. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Cleveland. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the nature-oriented destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic city of Cleveland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Anchorage. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cleveland or Anchorage?

Cleveland is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Anchorage?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Anchorage, 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 Cleveland or Anchorage?

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 Cleveland or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Anchorage. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cleveland is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In the summer, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Cleveland is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cleveland in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

Cleveland usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cleveland or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Cleveland during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cleveland is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 28°F (-2°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Anchorage. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Cleveland is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Cleveland