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

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is very popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and music. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cleveland is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Cleveland is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Cleveland is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Evening events are nice in both Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Music?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Cleveland is notable for its live music scene. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Both Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland are nice shopping destinations.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Cleveland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland More Beautiful?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Adirondack Mountains is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is a very family-friendly destination. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

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

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic 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 Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Adirondack Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

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

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Cleveland is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region 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 Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Cleveland

Cleveland is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the region of Adirondack Mountains. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Cleveland. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

You'll find nightlife and food around the serene destination of Adirondack Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This region 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. 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.


Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

You'll find food and shopping around the pristine region of Adirondack Mountains. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.

Many people visit Cleveland for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Cleveland. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack Mountains, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The diverse destination of Cleveland offers nightlife and live music. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland or Adirondack Mountains?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
    Cleveland Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Adirondack Mountains $202
    Cleveland $158

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $202, while the average daily cost in Cleveland is $158. 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 Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains


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: Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    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:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $68
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $68
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $104
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland and Adirondack Mountains 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
    Adirondack Mountains $85
    Cleveland $62

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: $53
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $79
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour: $79
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • Akron Secrets: Rubber City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Cleveland Downtown Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Ghost Tour of Cleveland with free Ghost Hunting Gear: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories: $28
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories: $28
  • Phantom's Parade on Prospect: Cleveland Ghost Tours: $32
  • Cleveland Browns Football Game Ticket at Huntington Bank Field: $35
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $39
  • Cleveland Comedy City Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cleveland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cleveland:

  • Cleveland Brewery Golf Cart Tour Experience: $60


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



When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Adirondack Mountains during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Adirondack Mountains is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 71°F (22°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. In the summer, Adirondack Mountains often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland. Adirondack Mountains gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in July than Cleveland. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Cleveland. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Adirondack Mountains gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Adirondack Mountains usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Cleveland. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Adirondack Mountains can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Adirondack Mountains is much colder than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Adirondack Mountains often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Adirondack Mountains gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the natural beauty.

In April, Adirondack Mountains is generally cooler than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 46°F (8°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cleveland during spring. Adirondack Mountains gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cleveland. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)