A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cleveland vs. Seattle for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Cleveland or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cleveland or Seattle, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches. See Seattle travel costs.

Cleveland and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Seattle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seattle than Cleveland. Seattle is bigger than Cleveland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seattle is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Cleveland or Seattle.

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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Cleveland or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Cleveland is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Cleveland is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

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

Seattle has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Cleveland and Seattle.

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.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Cleveland or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Cleveland or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Seattle?

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

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.

Seattle offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Cleveland or Seattle More Beautiful?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cleveland or Seattle Better for Families?

Cleveland and Seattle 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 Seattle. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Cleveland or Seattle Better for Couples?

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

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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 Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young 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 Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Seattle 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist 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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Seattle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cleveland or Seattle?

In Cleveland, you'll find nightlife and live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Seattle?

In Cleveland, you'll find live music and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cleveland has to offer.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. 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 Seattle?

Cleveland is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive city of Seattle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cleveland or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cleveland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Cleveland and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In July, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In the summer, Cleveland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Cleveland gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cleveland usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cleveland is around the same temperature as Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Cleveland usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Cleveland gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cleveland usually receives less rain than Seattle. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cleveland or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Cleveland during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cleveland. In the winter, Cleveland is much colder than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Cleveland often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Cleveland gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cleveland usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Seattle. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cleveland is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cleveland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during spring. Cleveland gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Seattle. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Cleveland