A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Cincinnati. 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cincinnati

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

Jacksonville 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
  • Good for students
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 Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Cincinnati, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Jacksonville is popular for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also home to Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Jacksonville different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Cincinnati and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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.


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

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jacksonville. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Jacksonville or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

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

Jacksonville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

Jacksonville is well known for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

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

Jacksonville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

Both Jacksonville and Cincinnati are good family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. 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 Jacksonville or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

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

Jacksonville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

Jacksonville and Cincinnati are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Is Jacksonville or Cincinnati Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

Jacksonville is a popular place for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

Visitors will find good public transit in both Jacksonville and Cincinnati.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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.


Is Jacksonville or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.


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

One day in Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

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

In Cincinnati, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this hard-working city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Jacksonville, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

Jacksonville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

Jacksonville 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $183. 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 Jacksonville and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $342
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to One Ocean Resort and Spa: $181
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • One Way Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $85
  • Miami: One Way To/From Airport Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Carnival Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX): $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Cincinnati $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

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

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

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 Streetcar 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.
    Jacksonville $20
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Scenic A1A Byway Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $59
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60

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: $32
  • 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 Bengals Football Game Ticket at Paul Brown Stadium: $16
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jacksonville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Self-Guided Scavenger 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 Jacksonville and Cincinnati, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Cincinnati much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cincinnati would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cincinnati 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Cincinnati.

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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.


When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Cincinnati?

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 Jacksonville or Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Cincinnati. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Cincinnati in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Cincinnati in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Cincinnati. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Jacksonville is much warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Cincinnati. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Cincinnati in the Spring?

Both Cincinnati and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Cincinnati. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)