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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Cleveland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Minneapolis and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its music. Minneapolis is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Minneapolis different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis
Cleveland

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Minneapolis and Cleveland.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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.


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

Minneapolis
Cleveland

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Minneapolis. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

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 Minneapolis or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

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

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Cleveland Better for Music?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

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

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis or Cleveland Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a very family-friendly destination. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

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

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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 Minneapolis or Cleveland Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

Minneapolis is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis
Cleveland

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Cleveland

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

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic city of Cleveland. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The under-rated city of Cleveland offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Minneapolis or Cleveland?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Minneapolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $206, 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 Minneapolis and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis


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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Cleveland $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69

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 : $90
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $181
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $90
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40
    Cleveland $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

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.
    Minneapolis $27
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $699
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99

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 Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $17
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $29
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $478
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $242
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $17
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Erie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Enchanted Cleveland Holiday Walking Tour: $297

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minneapolis $24
    Cleveland $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100

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 Minneapolis and Cleveland, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

In July, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 76°F (25°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 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. In July, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Minneapolis is cooler than Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Cleveland. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Cleveland. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. In the winter, Minneapolis is much colder than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minneapolis in January average around 15°F (-10°C), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Cleveland. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 49°F (10°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 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 Minneapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Cleveland. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)