A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Cincinnati?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Cincinnati can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Baltimore travel costs.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Baltimore and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Cincinnati?

You'll generally find more things to do in Baltimore than Cincinnati. Baltimore is bigger than Cincinnati, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Baltimore is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Also, Baltimore is famous for the National Aquarium. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Baltimore different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Baltimore and Cincinnati.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cincinnati can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.


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

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Cincinnati is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Baltimore or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Cincinnati?

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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.


Is Baltimore or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Baltimore
Cincinnati

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

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. 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 Baltimore or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore and Cincinnati are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.


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

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore is well known for its public transit. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you around easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Baltimore or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Cincinnati

Baltimore and Cincinnati both are great when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baltimore or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baltimore 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 Baltimore, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

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


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

One day in Baltimore or Cincinnati?

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cincinnati. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Baltimore or Cincinnati?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Cincinnati. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 Baltimore or Cincinnati?

Baltimore, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Cincinnati. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Cincinnati?

Baltimore 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.

Cincinnati is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Baltimore?

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

  • Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
    Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Baltimore $217
    Cincinnati $223

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $223. 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 Baltimore and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury Van: $206
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $153
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79
    Cincinnati $95
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Ravioli Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Thai Curry Cooking Class with Local Chef in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Experience by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $20
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $26
  • City Cruises Baltimore Harbor Tour: $30
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • Glow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience : $40
  • NEON Starry Night Sip and Paint Experience : $40
  • North Beach Historic - Guided Walking Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Cincinnati $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $29
  • Enchanted Full Day Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from Oakland: $285


When comparing the travel costs between Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Cincinnati Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Cincinnati?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Cincinnati?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the family-friendly experiences.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Cincinnati in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°C) in July, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

Both Cincinnati and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.

In the autumn, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 58°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Cincinnati. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Cincinnati in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Cincinnati. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In January, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Cincinnati in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Cincinnati. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

Baltimore is cooler than Cincinnati in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Cincinnati. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Baltimore

Baltimore Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)