A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. Palm Springs for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cleveland or Palm Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Palm Springs, 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 under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Cleveland and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Cleveland or Palm Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Cleveland and Palm Springs are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Cleveland is known for its museums and attractions and music. Palm Springs is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Cleveland is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Cleveland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.


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

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palm Springs. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Palm Springs has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Cleveland or Palm Springs Better for Music?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Cleveland is notable for live music. However, Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.


Is Cleveland or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Cleveland or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Palm Springs?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.


Is Cleveland or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly destination. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Cleveland or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

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

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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 Palm Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Cleveland and Palm Springs.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.


Is Cleveland or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

Cleveland
Palm Springs

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

Palm Springs is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Cleveland or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cleveland, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.


  • How many days in Cleveland or Palm Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cleveland 1-3 
    Palm Springs 2-4

One day in Cleveland or Palm Springs?

In Cleveland, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this diverse city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Palm Springs. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Palm Springs?

Cleveland 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Palm Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Palm Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Cleveland. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the chic city of Palm Springs. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cleveland or Palm Springs?

Cleveland 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.

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs 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
    Palm Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cleveland $158
    Palm Springs $244

The average daily cost (per person) in Cleveland is $158, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $244. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cleveland $75
    Palm Springs $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cleveland $150
    Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Cleveland and Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs


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 Palm Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cleveland $19
    Palm Springs $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Private Transfer from PSP to Vía La Quinta, Indio, CA : $173
  • Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $214
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $201
  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport PSP Departure Transfer: $201

Is it cheaper to fly into Cleveland or Palm Springs?

Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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
    Palm Springs $92
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 Palm Springs

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

  • Private Palm Springs Cooking Class with a Fun Local Chef Stephen: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cleveland $40
    Palm Springs $29

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

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

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:

  • Palm Springs Windmill Guided Tour by Golf Cart: $55
  • 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $45
  • 100+ Self-Guided Audio Tours: Driving & Walking Bundle: $100
  • All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour: $50
  • Bombay Beach Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain Guided Art Tour: $225
  • Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
  • Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours: $125
  • Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $149
  • Food Adventure Game: $99
  • French Bicycle Tour of Palm Springs: $152
  • Golf Cart Tour in a 6 Passenger Cart in Palm Springs California: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cleveland $45
    Palm Springs $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Cleveland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cleveland:

  • Cleveland Brewery Golf Cart Tour Experience: $60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cleveland and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs than you might in Cleveland.

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


Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Palm Springs?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

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 Cleveland or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Palm Springs. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cleveland is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C) 
    Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.

In the autumn, Cleveland is much colder than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cleveland in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In October, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C) 
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Cleveland during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cleveland in the winter. In January, Cleveland is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 28°F (-2°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Cleveland usually gets less rain in January than Palm Springs. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C) 
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cleveland or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Palm Springs.

Cleveland is much colder than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C) 
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Cleveland

Cleveland Palm Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Mar 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Jun 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Dec 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)