A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cleveland vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cleveland or Ottawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Cleveland travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Cleveland and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cleveland than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Cleveland, Cleveland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cleveland is better known for its nightlife and music, while Ottawa is more popular for its food. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. Also, Cleveland is famous for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Cleveland different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cleveland or Ottawa?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Cleveland or Ottawa.

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ottawa. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.


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

Cleveland
Ottawa

Ottawa 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 Ottawa. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

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 Cleveland or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Cleveland is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Cleveland or Ottawa Better for Music?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Cleveland is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Ottawa is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. 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.

Ottawa is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Ottawa?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cleveland and Ottawa.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. 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.

Ottawa offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Cleveland or Ottawa Better for Families?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Cleveland and Ottawa are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Cleveland or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

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 Cleveland or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

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 Cleveland or Ottawa Better for Students?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Ottawa. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Cleveland
Ottawa

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Ottawa has some public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

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.


Is Cleveland or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Ottawa

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Ottawa. In our opinion, Ottawa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ottawa than Cleveland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.


  • How many days in Cleveland or Ottawa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cleveland 1-3 
    Ottawa 2-3

One day in Cleveland or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cleveland. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ottawa. 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.

A weekend in Cleveland or Ottawa?

Cleveland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the welcoming destination of Ottawa. 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 Cleveland or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cleveland. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Ottawa. 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 Cleveland or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ottawa 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Cleveland?

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

  • Cleveland Prices
    USA Prices
    Ottawa Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cleveland $158
    Ottawa $134

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $158, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $134. 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 Cleveland and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland or Ottawa? 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 Cleveland


Hotels in Ottawa


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 and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Ottawa $7.21
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 Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $68
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $68
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $104
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $207

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $216
  • Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $62
    Ottawa $29
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ottawa Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $76
  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $77
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $106
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
  • Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cleveland $40
    Ottawa $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 Browns Football Game Ticket at Huntington Bank Field: $35
  • Cleveland Comedy City Tour: $39
  • Cleveland Downtown Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Cleveland Golf Cart City Tour: $40
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $39
  • Cleveland Highlights City Tour with Pickup: $275
  • Electric Bike Tour in Cleveland: $109
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Exploring Cleveland with the Family - Walking Tour: $262
  • Ghost Tour of Cleveland with free Ghost Hunting Gear: $20
  • Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland: $262

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

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

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
  • A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $351
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
  • Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River: $159
  • Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
  • Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $23
  • Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $458
  • Experience Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour: $73
  • Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $234
  • Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $351
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $286
  • Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Ottawa $18
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:

  • Chelsea: Guided tour of the Square Distillery: $25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Ottawa, 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 Cleveland or Ottawa?

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 Cleveland or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. Cleveland usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cleveland or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Cleveland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

Cleveland is a little warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cleveland or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. In the winter, Cleveland is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during winter. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Cleveland or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Ottawa.

In April, Cleveland is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In the spring, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Cleveland

Cleveland Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)