Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Cleveland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Cleveland, 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.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Cleveland?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
Cleveland
Located on the shores of Lake Erie of the Great Lakes, Cleveland is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. As a culturally diverse and thriving metropolitan area, the city is host to a vast range of sights and activities, such as world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and golf courses as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Cleveland $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $132. 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 Dayton and Cleveland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Cleveland $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Cleveland
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Cleveland? 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Cleveland $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:
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Taxi to Airport$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland
Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
- Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
- Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
- CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
- Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Cleveland?
Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Dayton 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
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Cleveland $36
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Typical Food Prices in Cleveland
For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$1.79
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Sandwich$9.75
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Cleveland $40
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
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
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
- Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
- Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
- Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Cleveland $45
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:
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A Night of Shots$36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Cleveland, we can see that Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton 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 Dayton Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Cleveland?
Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Cleveland, 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 Dayton or Cleveland?
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 Dayton or Cleveland in the Summer?
Both Cleveland and Dayton during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.
In the summer, Dayton is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).
In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the summer, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.
Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dayton usually gets less rain in July than Cleveland. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Cleveland 75°F (24°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Cleveland in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Cleveland. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.
In October, Dayton is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Dayton usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Cleveland 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Cleveland in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Cleveland. Additionally, many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. Dayton is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
In the winter, Dayton often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Cleveland in the Spring?
Both Cleveland and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Dayton is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).
It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Cleveland 51°F (10°C)
Typical Weather for Cleveland and Dayton
| Dayton | Cleveland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.