A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Cleveland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and music. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Cleveland is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Music?

Cleveland is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a live music destination.

Is Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Cleveland is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Cleveland is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Cleveland and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Cleveland Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Cleveland is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Cleveland is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Cleveland usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cleveland is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cleveland