A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Cleveland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mazatlan or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cleveland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its music. Mazatlan is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Mazatlan different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Cleveland.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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.

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

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Cleveland.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

If you're looking for night time activities Cleveland has a few options to choose from. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is well known for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Cleveland. 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.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cleveland and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Cleveland.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Cleveland offers lots of family activities. 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 Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Couples?

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

Mazatlan is a nice destination for couples. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

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 Mazatlan or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Mazatlan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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

Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

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 Mazatlan or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. 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.

The city of Cleveland offers live music and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cleveland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cleveland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Cleveland is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Cleveland?

Mazatlan 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Cleveland, we can see that Cleveland is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Cleveland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cleveland than you might in Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Cleveland?

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 Mazatlan or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Cleveland. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Cleveland. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Cleveland. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.

In April, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Mazatlan