A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Cleveland for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Cleveland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cleveland than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cleveland is better known for its museums, nightlife, and music, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. Also, Cleveland is famous for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Cleveland is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Cleveland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Cleveland.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Cleveland is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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 Hilton Head Island or Cleveland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cleveland is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Cleveland are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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 Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Cleveland. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cleveland than Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Hilton Head Island. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and food around the peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island. 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 town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cleveland is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse city of Cleveland. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Cleveland. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cleveland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and Cleveland, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Cleveland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Cleveland. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Cleveland. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Hilton Head Island