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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Simons and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Cleveland are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is known for its museums, nightlife, and music. Saint Simons is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Saint Simons different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Cleveland is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.


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

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Cleveland is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Music?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Cleveland is a great destination for live music. However, Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Cleveland has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. 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.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Saint Simons is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Saint Simons is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Saint Simons
Cleveland

Cleveland is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Cleveland

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

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.


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

One day in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

In Cleveland, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this diverse city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Cleveland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Cleveland. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Saint Simons 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Saint Simons?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, 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 Saint Simons and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons


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: Saint Simons Hotel Prices and Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    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:

  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $90
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $180
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Saint Simons 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
    Saint Simons $48
    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.
    Saint Simons $16
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    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 Saint Simons and Cleveland, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Cleveland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Saint Simons this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Saint Simons during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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 January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Cleveland. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cleveland. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Saint Simons

Saint Simons 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)