A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ensenada or Cincinnati?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Cincinnati? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ensenada and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ensenada than Cincinnati, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ensenada is better known for its food and beaches, while Cincinnati is more popular for its museums. Ensenada is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Also, Ensenada is famous for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Ensenada different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cincinnati and Ensenada. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.


Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Cincinnati? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Ensenada is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Ensenada or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Cincinnati has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Ensenada or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Ensenada is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Ensenada. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cincinnati and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Ensenada or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Cincinnati.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Ensenada or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Ensenada is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.


Is Ensenada or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Ensenada and Cincinnati are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Is Ensenada or Cincinnati Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cincinnati, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is Ensenada or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Ensenada
Cincinnati

Ensenada and Cincinnati both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.


For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ensenada or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ensenada than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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


  • How many days in Ensenada or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ensenada 2-3 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Ensenada, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ensenada, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Ensenada, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati 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.


A week in Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Ensenada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cincinnati 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Ensenada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ensenada is $99, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $176. 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 Ensenada and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ensenada $47
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ensenada $94
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Ensenada or Cincinnati? 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 Ensenada


Hotels in Cincinnati


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: Ensenada Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ensenada $21
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $120
  • Transfer: From Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe & Ensenada: $408

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Ensenada 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
    Ensenada $39
    Cincinnati $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ensenada $11
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

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

  • Rondo del Valley Winery Tour with 5 Tastings: $26
  • Lavender Field Guided Tour: $34
  • Lavender Field Guided Tour: $37
  • From La Bufadora Geyser Tour: $39
  • Ensenada : The unique bufadora private tour: $39
  • Tacos, Brews and Views Tour : $40
  • La Bufadora Punta Banda Tour: $41
  • Private La Bufadora Tour (blowhole): $41
  • La Bufadora Tour in Baja California: $42
  • Horseback Riding Experience in Las Cañadas Campamento: $44
  • The Bufadora private Tour: $44
  • Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada: $52

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Mt Adams Historic, Cincinnati, App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Haunted Walking Audio Tour: $6.75
  • Mount Adams Historic Smartphone Guided App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self Guided Cincinnati Ghost Haunted Walking Tour Audio Tour Music Hall OTR: $7.75
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati: $9.59
  • Queen of the West's Best - An Audio Tour: $12
  • Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati: $25
  • Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati Sights & Stories: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ensenada $11
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $29
  • Xecue Wine Tasting in the Guadalupe Valley: $39
  • Wine tour valley of guadalupe: $60
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: $78
  • From Wine Tasting at Guadalupe Valley Ensenada: $87
  • From Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour: $97
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $115
  • Private Wine Tour at Valle de Guadalupe (A wine tasting included).: $119
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $135
  • Wine tasting tour for Cruise Ship Visitors. All Inclusive!: $199
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $220
  • Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours: $269

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

Also in Cincinnati, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Cincinnati, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Cincinnati would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cincinnati than you might in Ensenada.

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


Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Cincinnati, 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.