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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Santa Monica? 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.

Cincinnati

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

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Cincinnati and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Santa Monica Pier


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Cincinnati is more popular for its museums and attractions. Santa Monica is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Cincinnati is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.


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

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

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

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Santa Monica is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

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

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica can get you around easily. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Santa Monica

Cincinnati and Santa Monica both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cincinnati and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Monica than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.


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

One day in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

In Cincinnati, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this blue collar city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With museums and nightlife around the energetic town of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Monica, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Cincinnati is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Monica, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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


A week in Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Cincinnati is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Cincinnati?

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

  • Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
    Santa Monica Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cincinnati $223
    Santa Monica $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $248. 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 Cincinnati and Santa Monica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Santa Monica $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Santa Monica

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Santa Monica? 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 Cincinnati


Hotels in Santa Monica


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Santa Monica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Santa Monica $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:

  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Prices for flights to both Santa Monica and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $95
    Santa Monica $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica

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

  • City Cruises Los Angeles Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $132
  • Romantic-Surprise Dinner-Wine & Cheese or Sushi Boat Cruise: $149
  • Gourmet Santa Monica Walking Food Tour with Delicious Dish: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Santa Monica $38

Tours and Activities in Santa Monica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:

  • Santa Monica Superhero Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Santa Monica Pier Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Santa Monica Sinister Sins & Sorrow Ghost Tour: $26
  • Santa Monica Art Museum: General Admission Ticket: $28
  • LA & Self-Guided Aerospace Legacy Audio Tour: $30
  • Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $30
  • Santa Monica Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Home Tour: $49
  • 3 ½-Hour Sea to the Stars Hollywood Hopper Tour: $55
  • Hollywood Tour with Walk of Fame Stop: $55
  • Venice Beach and Santa Monica eBike Tour : $56
  • Best of LA Tour with 3 Iconic Stops: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Santa Monica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica

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

  • Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Santa Monica Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati and Santa Monica, 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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica?

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 Cincinnati or Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Santa Monica. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cincinnati is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cincinnati in October average around 58°F (15°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. In January, Cincinnati is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 31°F (-0°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Cincinnati during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

Cincinnati is cooler than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Santa Monica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 58°F (15°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 61°F (16°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 67°F (20°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)