A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cleveland vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cleveland or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Toronto, 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. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums. See Cleveland travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Cleveland and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Cleveland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland is known for its music. Toronto is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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.

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

Toronto 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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for Music?

Cleveland is a very popular place for live music. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of 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 Toronto Better for Students?

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

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Cleveland or Toronto a more walkable city?

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

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Toronto?

Both Cleveland and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Cleveland. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

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

One day in Cleveland or Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. 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 Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Cleveland or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Toronto?

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

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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cleveland is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Toronto. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Cleveland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cleveland is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cleveland in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Toronto. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cleveland is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 28°F (-2°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Cleveland usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Toronto. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cleveland or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Toronto. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

Cleveland is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In the spring, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Cleveland