A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. Big Sur for Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cleveland or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Big Sur, 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 authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Cleveland and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Big Sur?

Both Big Sur and Cleveland have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cleveland is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cleveland is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cleveland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Cleveland or Big Sur Better for Music?

Cleveland is great for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Cleveland draws a good crowd. 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.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Cleveland or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Cleveland or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Big Sur?

Cleveland is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Cleveland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Cleveland or Big Sur Better for Families?

Cleveland and Big Sur are both notable 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 Big Sur. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Cleveland or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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 Big Sur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cleveland is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Cleveland or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Cleveland is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its 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.

Big Sur is not a walkable city. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Big Sur. In our opinion, Cleveland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cleveland than Big Sur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Cleveland or Big Sur?

In Cleveland, you'll find nightlife and live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Big Sur?

In Cleveland, you'll find live music and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer.

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. 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 natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or Big Sur?

Cleveland is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic natural area of Big Sur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cleveland or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cleveland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Big Sur, we can see that Cleveland is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Cleveland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cleveland than you might in Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Cleveland or Big Sur?

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 Cleveland or Big Sur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Big Sur. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Big Sur. The autumn months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Cleveland is cooler than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Big Sur in the Winter?

Both Big Sur and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cleveland in the winter. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cleveland or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Cleveland during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cleveland is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Cleveland