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

Should you visit Cleveland or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or San Diego, 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.

San Diego

San Diego is a relaxed, outdoorsy, and idyllic coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cleveland and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego than Cleveland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Diego is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around San Diego. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

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 San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

San Diego has a large number of nightlife venues. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Cleveland and San Diego.

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.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Cleveland or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Cleveland or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cleveland or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Cleveland or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or San Diego?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cleveland and San Diego.

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.

San Diego offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Cleveland or San Diego Better for Families?

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

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego 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 San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is an amazing coastal city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

Is Cleveland or San Diego Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Cleveland and San Diego.

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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Cleveland or San Diego a more walkable city?

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

San Diego is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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 San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or San Diego?

In either Cleveland or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Cleveland because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Cleveland or San Diego?

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 coastal city of San Diego. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated 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 relaxed destination of San Diego. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or San Diego?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic coastal city of San Diego. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

A week in Cleveland or San Diego?

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.

San Diego 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 San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and San Diego. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cleveland is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cleveland in July average around 75°F (24°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than San Diego. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cleveland is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 56°F (13°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the autumn, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. Cleveland is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Cleveland usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than San Diego. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cleveland or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and Cleveland during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the spring, Cleveland is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cleveland in April average around 51°F (10°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cleveland. In the spring, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Cleveland