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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Cincinnati, 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a historical, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Guadalajara and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Cincinnati, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Guadalajara is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Guadalajara different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Cincinnati and Guadalajara.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Guadalajara can be an interesting and educational experience. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cincinnati. 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.


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

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Guadalajara. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Guadalajara or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Guadalajara is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Guadalajara is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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 Guadalajara or Cincinnati Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Guadalajara is well known for its old town. However, Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Guadalajara is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Guadalajara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

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

Guadalajara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

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 Guadalajara or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Guadalajara is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Guadalajara is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and 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 Guadalajara or Cincinnati Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Cincinnati

Guadalajara and Cincinnati are very good when it comes to walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Guadalajara or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Cincinnati 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 Guadalajara.


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

One day in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the hard-working city of Cincinnati. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Guadalajara, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

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

The blue collar city of Cincinnati offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

Guadalajara 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Cincinnati. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Guadalajara?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $117, 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 Guadalajara and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $42
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $84
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara


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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $39
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

Also for Guadalajara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport-Chapala/Ajijic Transfer: $229
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Transfer to Guadalajara hotels: $174
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
  • Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Airport to City Transfer: $151
  • Private Transfer from Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Manzanillo Port: $77
  • Private transfer from Guadalajara to Sayulita: $241
  • Private transfer: Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara: $73
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Guadalajara Airport: $26
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Departure Private Transfer: $38

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 Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Guadalajara 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
    Guadalajara $48
    Cincinnati $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

For Guadalajara, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guadalajara private food tour: $68
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $151

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.
    Guadalajara $28
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.

  • Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Guadalajara Unique Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • KidZania Entrance Ticket: $12
  • 10-Day Audio Guide Tour of Guadalajara: $15
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Guadalajara in French: $15
  • Guadalajara City Tour: $20
  • Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
  • ticket to Michin Aquarium: $28
  • Private Guadalajara City Tour Within Your Budget: $31
  • Culture, Architecture, and Market Walking Tour: $32
  • Private Tour with a Local Guide in Guadalajara: $34
  • Guadalajara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $18
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Guadalajara Arquitecture and Brewery Tour: $56
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $77
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $85
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $175
  • Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara: $180
  • Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to Distillery Tequila Ocho and Arandas : $200
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $212
  • Private Tour to Tequila Ocho Distillery and the Town of Arandas: $212

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 Guadalajara and Cincinnati, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. And not only is Guadalajara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guadalajara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.

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


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Cincinnati?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara 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.