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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland 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 natural, relaxing, and secluded island. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Cleveland

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

Jekyll Island and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Cleveland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Cleveland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Jekyll Island different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. 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.

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 Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Both Jekyll Island and Cleveland offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Cleveland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Jekyll Island or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Cleveland 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 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 Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Cleveland Better for Music?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Cleveland is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Jekyll 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.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Cleveland?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

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

Cleveland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

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 Cleveland Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 Jekyll Island or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

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

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. 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.

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

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Cleveland is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Cleveland

Cleveland is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Cleveland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

Families should spend more time in Jekyll Island than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland. 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.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Cleveland?

You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

You'll find museums around the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the natural island of Jekyll Island. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

Jekyll Island 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.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Cleveland. 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, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland


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 Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $179
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $28
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $471
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $240
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Enchanted Cleveland Holiday Walking Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


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



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

Both Cleveland and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

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

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

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Cleveland. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island this time of the year. In the spring, Jekyll Island often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Jekyll Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cleveland. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)