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

Should you visit Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells, 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Cleveland and Wisconsin Dells: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Cleveland and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Wisconsin Dells has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its museums, music, and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also well known for Noah's Ark Water Park. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Cleveland is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Music?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Cleveland is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.


Is Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Cleveland is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.


Is Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

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

Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options 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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Cleveland is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.


Is Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Wisconsin Dells

Cleveland and Wisconsin Dells are reasonable 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.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells.


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

One day in Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells?

The diverse destination of Cleveland offers nightlife and live music. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Cleveland offers live music and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Cleveland is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted city of Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Wisconsin Dells 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.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Wisconsin Dells


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 Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Wisconsin Dells $35
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 : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43
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
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour: $75
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cleveland $40
    Wisconsin Dells $46

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
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

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

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
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 comparing the travel costs between Cleveland and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Wisconsin Dells is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cleveland Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cleveland is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cleveland in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 56°F (13°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wisconsin Dells. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Cleveland is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Cleveland often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cleveland is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cleveland in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during spring. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Cleveland

Cleveland Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)