A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. Denali National Park for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Cleveland or Denali National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Denali National Park, 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 diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Cleveland and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cleveland. Although Cleveland and Denali National Park are popular destinations, Cleveland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cleveland is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also well known for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Cleveland different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Cleveland is a great city for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Cleveland or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cleveland and Denali National Park can be difficult as they are each reasonable in their own way.

Cleveland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Denali National Park. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Cleveland or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Cleveland is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

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 Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Cleveland or Denali National Park Better for Music?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Cleveland is a great city for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park is not a live music destination.

Cleveland has a thriving music scene. 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.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Cleveland or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Cleveland or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Cleveland is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.


Is Cleveland or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Cleveland and Denali National Park are both nice 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 Denali National Park. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Cleveland or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

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

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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 Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Cleveland and Denali National Park.

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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Cleveland or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Denali National Park

Cleveland is adequate for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Cleveland Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Cleveland or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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


  • How many days in Cleveland or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cleveland 1-3 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Cleveland. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer.

You'll find around the park of Denali National Park. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

Cleveland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 around the rugged destination of Denali National Park. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Cleveland for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Cleveland. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the vast park of Denali National Park. 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.

A week in Cleveland or Denali National Park?

The diverse destination of Cleveland offers nightlife and live music. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Cleveland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $132, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. 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 Cleveland and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland or Denali National Park? 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 Cleveland


Hotels in Denali National Park


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Denali National Park $76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $179
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
    Denali National Park $57
Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cleveland $40
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $28
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $471
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $240
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Enchanted Cleveland Holiday Walking Tour: $294

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Authentical Denali Tour from Denali Park and Fairbanks: $260
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure: $244
  • Half-Day Denali River Rafting Experience: $229

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Denali National Park $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cleveland and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cleveland or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cleveland is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cleveland in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

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

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the autumn. In October, Cleveland is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 56°F (13°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Cleveland usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. It's quite cold in Cleveland in the winter. Cleveland is much warmer than Denali National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Cleveland during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Denali National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Cleveland is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cleveland in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 34°F (1°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Cleveland

Cleveland Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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