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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Cleveland?

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 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cleveland

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

Jacksonville and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Cleveland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Cleveland. Jacksonville is bigger than Cleveland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Jacksonville different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Cleveland 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.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

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 Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Jacksonville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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.

Is Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Cleveland has diverse options. 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.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Cleveland?

Jacksonville is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Jacksonville. 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.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Cleveland are notable 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 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 Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Couples?

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

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. 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.

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 Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Jacksonville or Cleveland Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Jacksonville or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Cleveland. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Cleveland. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

Families should spend more time in Jacksonville than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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.

One day in Jacksonville or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Jacksonville. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

In Cleveland, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this authentic 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 Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Jacksonville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cleveland 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Cleveland, we can see that Jacksonville 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 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 Cleveland.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Cleveland?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 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 Jacksonville. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Jacksonville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Cleveland. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, 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. Jacksonville is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Cleveland. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°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 Jacksonville this time of the year. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Jacksonville