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

Should you visit Cleveland or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Santa Monica, 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 diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Cleveland and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and music. Santa Monica is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Cleveland 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.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Cleveland or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Music?

Cleveland is notable for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Cleveland or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. 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.

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Santa Monica can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

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 Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cleveland and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Santa Monica has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Monica than Cleveland. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland. 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 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

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 town of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

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 lively destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse 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 active town of Santa Monica. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cleveland or Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cleveland and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Santa Monica?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland 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 Cleveland or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cleveland is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cleveland in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

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

Should I visit Cleveland or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

In October, Cleveland is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cleveland or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Cleveland during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Cleveland is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Santa Monica. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

In the spring, Cleveland is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cleveland in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Cleveland