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

Should you visit Cleveland or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Monterey, 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 live music, shopping, and museums.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Cleveland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Monterey is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 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 Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Cleveland or Monterey.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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.

Is Cleveland or Monterey Better for Music?

Cleveland is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Monterey is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. 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.

Monterey is not a live music destination.

Is Cleveland or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cleveland or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Monterey has a beach worth visiting. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

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

Monterey is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey 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 Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

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

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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Cleveland or Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Monterey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cleveland or Monterey?

The city of Cleveland offers live music and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Monterey. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Monterey?

Cleveland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cleveland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Monterey. 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 Monterey?

Cleveland is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back city of Monterey. 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 Monterey?

Cleveland is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Monterey 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Monterey?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

Both Monterey and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Monterey. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Cleveland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

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

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

Should I visit Cleveland or Monterey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Monterey. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

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

Should I visit Cleveland or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Monterey. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

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

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

Typical Weather for Monterey and Cleveland