A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Cincinnati can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a relaxing, secluded, and natural island. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and beaches.

Cincinnati

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

Jekyll Island and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jekyll Island. Although Jekyll Island and Cincinnati are both popular with visitors, Jekyll Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jekyll Island is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Cincinnati is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. It is also home to Driftwood Beach. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Jekyll Island different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.


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

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jekyll Island. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cincinnati. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Jekyll Island offers a few options. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

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

Jekyll Island is considered a top beach destination. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Jekyll Island is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Jekyll Island is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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.

Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

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

Jekyll Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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 Jekyll Island or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cincinnati is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.


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

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Jekyll Island than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

With museums around the relaxing island of Jekyll Island, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Cincinnati. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

With museums around the destination of Jekyll Island, 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 island.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

Jekyll Island, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

Jekyll Island 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Cincinnati. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Jekyll Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, 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 Jekyll Island and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Cincinnati $25

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 Jekyll Island or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45
    Cincinnati $55

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.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Cincinnati $26

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
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Cincinnati $11

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 comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Cincinnati, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati and Jekyll Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cincinnati in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Cincinnati. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene during these months.

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

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

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cincinnati in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Cincinnati. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the museums and the shopping scene.

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

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

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in January than Cincinnati. Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cincinnati in the Spring?

Both Cincinnati and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Cincinnati. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island 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)