A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Cincinnati for Families, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Tampa or Cincinnati?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Cincinnati? 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Tampa and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Tampa or Cincinnati?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tampa. Although Tampa and Cincinnati are roughly the same size, Tampa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tampa is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Cincinnati is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also home to Busch Gardens. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Tampa different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Cincinnati?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Tampa or Cincinnati? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Tampa is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tampa. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Cincinnati is not a culinary destination.

Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cincinnati. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Tampa is a city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Tampa is well known for the beache. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Cincinnati?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Tampa is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tampa is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.


Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Neither Tampa or Cincinnati is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Tampa is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Cincinnati is not the best destination for a couple to visit. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Cincinnati Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.


Is Tampa or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Tampa
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tampa or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tampa than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Tampa 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 Cincinnati.


  • How many days in Tampa or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Tampa or Cincinnati?

With food around the easy-going city of Tampa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Cincinnati, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this blue collar destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Cincinnati?

With food around the destination of Tampa, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Tampa or Cincinnati?

Tampa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cincinnati. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tampa or Cincinnati?

Tampa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the blue collar destination of Cincinnati. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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, Cincinnati or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $179, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $183. 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 Tampa and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Tampa or Cincinnati? 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 Tampa


Hotels in Cincinnati


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Tampa Airport TPA to Tampa City in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tampa City to Tampa Airport TPA in Business Car: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach: $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to St Petersburg Accommodation: $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address : $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $187
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater: $120
  • Private transfer from Tampa airport To Zephyrhills, FL: $155
  • Private transfer: From Tampa to airport and vice versa : $18
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cincinnati

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cincinnati:

  • Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Tampa 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
    Tampa $53
    Cincinnati $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

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

  • Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cincinnati

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cincinnati.

  • Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $61
  • Mainstrasse Village Food Tour in Covington KY: $79
  • Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options: $85
  • Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market : $85
  • Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampa $20
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Tampa

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

  • Ybor City Immigrant influence Smart Phone guided App (GPS) walking tour: $6.50
  • Tampa Riverwalk: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
  • Smartphone Audio Private Walking Tour in Tampa Riverwalk: $7.99
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour: $26
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Shared Ybor City Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • The Official Downtown Tampa Ghost Tour: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $31
  • Tampa History Cruise: $31
  • The Florida Aquarium Ticket: $33

Tours and Activities in Cincinnati

Here are a few actual costs in Cincinnati for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cincinnati Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $36
  • Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery: $20
  • 1919: The year that changed baseball tour: $31
  • Brewers & Barons Trail Tour: $45
  • Built on Beer Tour: $45
  • Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati: $75
  • Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour: $69
  • Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: $59
  • Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine: $85
  • Cincinnati Findlay Market Food Walking Tour: $89
  • Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Ticket at Great American Ballpark: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $26
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $200

Sample the Local Flavors in Cincinnati

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

  • Cincinnati Bar Hunt: Cin-sational Cincinnati Bar Crawl: $12
  • Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting: $49
  • Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop: $64
  • Cincinnati Original Craft Brewery Small-Group Tour: $68


When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Cincinnati, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Cincinnati?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Cincinnati, 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 Tampa or Cincinnati?

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 Tampa or Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati and Tampa during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.

In July, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Cincinnati. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Cincinnati. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene.

Tampa is much warmer than Cincinnati in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Cincinnati in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Cincinnati. Many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Cincinnati in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

Cincinnati can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cincinnati. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Cincinnati in the Spring?

Both Cincinnati and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Cincinnati. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Tampa

Tampa Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)