A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Cleveland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

New York City and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Cleveland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Cleveland, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is New York City different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Cleveland?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Theater?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Cleveland is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Cleveland is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

New York City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Music?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for live music. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Cleveland?

New York City 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 New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Christmas?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cleveland does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Cleveland does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Cleveland Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cleveland does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in New York City offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Cleveland does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Cleveland Better for Families?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Couples?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City or Cleveland Better for Students?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

New York City is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in New York City is top-notch. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all 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 New York City or Cleveland a more walkable city?

New York City is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or New York City?

How long in New York City or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New York City and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Cleveland. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Cleveland?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. 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 New York City or Cleveland?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. 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.

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 New York City or Cleveland?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 New York City or Cleveland?

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, New York City or Cleveland?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City or Cleveland in the Summer?

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

New York City is around the same temperature as Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. It's quite rainy in New York City. In July, New York City usually receives more rain than Cleveland. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New York City or Cleveland in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, New York City is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Cleveland. The winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, New York City is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, New York City usually receives more rain than Cleveland. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New York City or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New York City as well as Cleveland. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

New York City is around the same temperature as Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in April than Cleveland. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and New York City