A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Cincinnati for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Cincinnati. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Cincinnati are popular destinations, Blue Ridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Blue Ridge is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Blue Ridge is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Chattahoochee National Forest. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Blue Ridge different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cincinnati. 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


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

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Cincinnati.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Cincinnati has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Blue Ridge or Cincinnati Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Blue Ridge is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

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

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Cincinnati More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cincinnati is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Cincinnati is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

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

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Blue Ridge is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Blue Ridge is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good 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 Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.


Is Blue Ridge or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Blue Ridge than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Cincinnati, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cincinnati, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cincinnati, 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.


Five days in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Blue Ridge, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati, 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.

A week in Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Blue Ridge 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 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Blue Ridge?

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

  • Blue Ridge Prices
    USA Prices
    Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Blue Ridge $150
    Cincinnati $223

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $150, 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 Blue Ridge and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Cincinnati $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $61
    Cincinnati $95

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

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

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

  • Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation: $20
  • Helen’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour: $26
  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Cincinnati $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Cincinnati, we can see that Cincinnati is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Cincinnati would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cincinnati than you might in Blue Ridge.

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


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Cincinnati in the Summer?

Both Cincinnati and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Cincinnati. Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Cincinnati. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Cincinnati in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Cincinnati. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Cincinnati in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Cincinnati. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Cincinnati in the Spring?

Both Cincinnati and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Cincinnati. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)