Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Fort Lauderdale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.
Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is known for its museums and music. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Cleveland is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.
Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.
Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
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.
Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Fort Lauderdale has a large number of nightlife venues. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.
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.
Cleveland is a great destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.
Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.
Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.
Cleveland is not a resort destination.
Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.
Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.
The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.
Cleveland is not a beach destination.
Shopping is a popular activity in both Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.
Fort Lauderdale 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.
Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.
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.
Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.
Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.
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.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland.
Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.
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.
Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.
Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.
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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Cleveland. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.
Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Cleveland. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Cleveland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cleveland than Fort Lauderdale 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 Cleveland.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
The authentic 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 shopping and nightlife around the high energy destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.
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 nightlife and food around the scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. 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 relaxing resort destination. 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.
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.
Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:
Also for Cleveland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.
For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.
Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Cleveland. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the shopping scene and the music scene.
In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Cleveland and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.
It's quite cold in Cleveland in the winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).
It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.
Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Cleveland. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.
Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Fort Lauderdale | Cleveland | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 51°F (10°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 61°F (16°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 71°F (21°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) |
Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |