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

Should you visit Cleveland or Hershey?

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

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

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Cleveland and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cleveland. Although Cleveland and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Cleveland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cleveland is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and music, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Cleveland different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cleveland
Hershey

Cleveland is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).


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

Cleveland
Hershey

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cleveland and Hershey can be difficult as they are each decent 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 Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Cleveland or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Hershey

Cleveland is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Cleveland or Hershey Better for Music?

Cleveland
Hershey

Cleveland is a great destination for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

Cleveland has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. 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.

Hershey is not a live music destination.


Is Cleveland or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Cleveland
Hershey

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Hershey?

Cleveland
Hershey

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

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.

Hershey offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Cleveland or Hershey Better for Families?

Cleveland
Hershey

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Hershey Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Hershey

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

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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

Cleveland
Hershey

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Cleveland and Hershey.

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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Cleveland or Hershey a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Hershey

Cleveland and Hershey 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.

Hershey is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.


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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Hershey. In our opinion, Hershey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hershey than Cleveland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cleveland or Hershey?

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 shopping and museums around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

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 museums and shopping around the lighthearted destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the lighthearted town of Hershey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Cleveland or Hershey?

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.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey 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 Hershey is $212. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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 Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Hershey $49
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 : $181
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $61
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

Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cleveland $40
    Hershey $53

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
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $17
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $17
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

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

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Hershey $27
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 Hershey, we can see that Hershey 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey 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 Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Hershey?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Cleveland during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cleveland is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cleveland. In the summer, Cleveland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Hershey. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cleveland is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cleveland in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Hershey. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Hershey. The winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. In January, Cleveland is generally much colder than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Cleveland is cooler than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during spring. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Hershey. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Cleveland

Cleveland Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)