Cincinnati is a blue collar city known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Cincinnati?
A typical traveler spends $223 per day on a trip to Cincinnati. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Cincinnati based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $95 on meals
- $25 on local transportation
- $204 on hotels
A one-week trip to Cincinnati for two people costs, on average, $3,122. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,561
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,122
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One Month
Per person
$6,690
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One Week
For a couple
$3,122
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,244
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One Month
For a couple
$13,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cincinnati cost?
A one week trip to Cincinnati usually costs around $1,561 for one person and $3,122 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cincinnati on average costs around $3,122 for one person and $6,244 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cincinnati will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cincinnati on average costs around $6,690 for one person and $13,380 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cincinnati expensive to visit?
In Cincinnati, budget travelers spend $91 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $223 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $526 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Cincinnati.
Cincinnati is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Cincinnati to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cincinnati is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hilo or Philadelphia.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cincinnati Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cincinnati?
The average Cincinnati trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cincinnati travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cincinnati cost?
Cincinnati on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
|
$102
|
$259
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$9.33
|
$25
|
$74
|
|
Food2
|
$41
|
$95
|
$196
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
|
$26
|
$67
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
|
$6-17
|
$11-32
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Cincinnati. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $91 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Cincinnati, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $223 per person, per day.
Cincinnati offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati - Mgallery is an excellent option for kids, and Courtyard Hamilton is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Cincinnati here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $526 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in Cincinnati
The cost of hotels in Cincinnati can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $124, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $231. Budget hotels range from $82 to $355, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cincinnati for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $204. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $102 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cincinnati include:
- The Summit Hotel starting at $247
- 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati - Mgallery starting at $222
- Graduate Cincinnati starting at $127
- Best Western Premier Mariemont Inn starting at $182
- Cincinnati Marriott Northeast starting at $217
Cincinnati has a good public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Exploring Cincinnati on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Cincinnati
Public transit in Cincinnati is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $25 per person, per day, on local transportation in Cincinnati. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cincinnati is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$25
For visitors flying in, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the main way of entry. It is actually located on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, so visitors will have to cross a bridge upon arrival to reach Cincinnati. The airport is a major hub for Delta, which offers daily flights to major U.S. cities as well as direct service to Paris. Within the United States, low-cost airlines Allegiant and Frontier also provide daily service.
Trains and long-distance buses are other options for travel. By train, passenger trains stop at Union Terminal/Cincinnati Museum Center in the night, traveling east to Washington DC and New York, and west to Chicago. Many visitors within the U.S. also arrive by car.
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
How much does it cost to go to Cincinnati? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cincinnati will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cincinnati
Cuisine in Cincinnati is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the city to discover. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cincinnati can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cincinnati is $95 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$95
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cincinnati is around $95 ($95) per person, with previous travelers spending from $41 to $196. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cincinnati are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $29
- Lunch: $14 to $38
- Dinner: $29 to $67
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Being a major American city, Cincinnati will have just about any kind of food one could ask for, from major well-known restaurant and fast food chains to specialty international options like Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and many more. The city, however, is famous for its unique chili. The recipe typically contains finely-ground meat, no beans or onions, and spices such as cinnamon or cocoa powder, with not as much tomato as traditional recipes. It is served in a variety of ways. A three-way is served over spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese, a four-way adds diced white onions or kidney beans, a five-way adds both onions and kidney beans, and a cheese coney is served on a hot dog with shredded cheddar. The concentration of chili restaurants in Cincinnati is more than anywhere else in the U.S., the favorites often being Skyline and Gold Star, though there are many others.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cincinnati
It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Cincinnati for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cincinnati typically cost an average of $26 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
The Ohio River is the heart of the city, adding an extra glimmer of beauty to the city's stunning skyline and historically boosting Cincinnati's industrial economy. It is actually the largest tributary of the Mississippi River and today hosts a lively riverboat heritage. During the city's Tall Stacks Festival people celebrate the days when steam and paddle-wheel driven vessels dominated the waters. The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge also adds something special to the beauty of the cityscape. Some of the best skyline and river views can be had from the Moerlein Lager House. Other city views can be had from the Carew Tower & Observation Deck-Cincinnati's second tallest building.
Another popular attraction is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, which is actually the second oldest zoo in the United States opening in 1875-just 14 months after the Philadelphia Zoo. The park features more than 3,000 plant species, wildlife exhibits, rides, and a 4D theatre. Though technically outside of Cincinnati, located just across the river, the Newport Aquarium is another popular animal life attraction.
Other Cincinnati sights worth noting include the Cincinnati Observatory Center, Fountain Square, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a number of churches and cathedrals, the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Art Museum, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and countless other museums, galleries, theatres with plenty of opportunities to experience the art, culture, and history of the city.
Visitors are free to explore the sights of Cincinnati at their own pace, or join any variety of tours that are offered. From historic walking tours that admire architecture and landmark events of the city to lager tours that explore saloons, bars, and breweries, there is a tour for any preference. The arts and entertainment scene is also alive with opportunities to enjoy opera, symphony, theatre, and a number of festivals held throughout the year, as well as plenty of opportunities to get outdoors with multiple city parks.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Cincinnati are some of the most famous in the world. 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.
Nightlife Budget in Cincinnati
While Cincinnati features some nightlife activities, it doesn't reach the excitement levels of other, more renowned destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $11 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cincinnati per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 13, 2025
Traveling in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Located on the north banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio having grown from its industrial heritage. It is situated in the southwest part of the state, separated from the Kentucky border by the river. The city is best known for its striking skyline and unique chili.
Neighborhoods & Around
Downtown marks the city center of Cincinnati, also referred to as the Central Business District. Most of the city's major attractions and corporate headquarters are located here. This part of the city is organized on a grid pattern with nine main north-south thoroughfares-Broadway, Sycamore, Main, Walnut, Vine, Race, Elm, Plum, and Central. The "East Side" and "West Side" of the city have a rivalry, historically being white collar and blue collar workers respectively. Other notable neighborhoods include the residential Avondale home to the Cincinnati Zoo, the upscale Hyde Park home to restaurants and boutique shops, trendy Mt. Adams known for its nightlife and beautiful skyline views, the very diverse Clifton home to a University population, independent shops, and a variety of ethnic restaurants, Over-the-Rhine historic district, the also historic Price Hill, and the newly developed Riverfront. Mt Washington, Northside, and Oakley are also all up-and-coming neighborhoods with plenty of shopping and restaurant options. And even though Newport and Covington are across the river in Kentucky, many locals frequent these spots on the weekends for shopping, movies, festivals, and restaurants.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.