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

Should you visit Cleveland or Flagstaff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Flagstaff, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cleveland and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Flagstaff?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Flagstaff than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Flagstaff, Flagstaff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Flagstaff is better known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums and music. Flagstaff is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. Also, Flagstaff is famous for Walnut Canyon National Monument. 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 Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Cleveland is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.


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

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

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 Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cleveland and Flagstaff.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Flagstaff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Cleveland or Flagstaff Better for Music?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Cleveland is well known for its music scene. However, Flagstaff is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Cleveland. 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.

Flagstaff is not a live music destination.


Is Cleveland or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

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

Known for its hiking, Flagstaff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Flagstaff?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cleveland and Flagstaff.

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.

Flagstaff offers some nice shopping areas. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Cleveland or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Flagstaff is a very family-friendly destination. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. 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.


Is Cleveland or Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

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 Flagstaff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Flagstaff is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Cleveland and Flagstaff.

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 Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.


Is Cleveland or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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 Flagstaff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Flagstaff or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Cleveland or Flagstaff. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.


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

One day in Cleveland or Flagstaff?

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 Flagstaff. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse 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 nightlife around the picturesque destination of Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque city of Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff?

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.

Flagstaff 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.


Which place is cheaper, Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff is $166. 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 Flagstaff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Flagstaff $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Flagstaff $172
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Flagstaff

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland or Flagstaff? 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 Flagstaff


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 and Flagstaff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Flagstaff $37
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:

  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $90
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $180
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Flagstaff?

Prices for flights to both Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff $55
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
    Flagstaff $28

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories: $28

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All-day Grand Canyon • Indian Ruins • Volcano • Christian Tour: $199
  • Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $299
  • Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $285
  • Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $245
  • Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff w/Lunch: $208
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $65
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Flagstaff Segway Tour: $129
  • Flagstaff, AZ: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Adults-Only Haunted Walking Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Flagstaff $29
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $50
  • Haunted Pub Crawl with Guide: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Flagstaff?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Flagstaff, 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.