A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Duck vs. Cleveland for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Duck or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Duck or Cleveland? 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.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Duck travel costs.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Duck and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Duck. Although Duck and Cleveland are both popular with visitors, Duck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Duck is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cleveland is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and music. Duck is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. It is also home to the wide sandy beach. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Duck different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cleveland is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

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

Duck 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 Duck. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

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 Duck or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is a well-known place for live music. However, Duck is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Cleveland is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

Duck is not a live music destination.

Is Duck or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Duck is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Duck are among the best in the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Cleveland Better for Hiking?

Duck is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Duck has hiking trails worth exploring. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Cleveland?

Duck 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 Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Cleveland More Beautiful?

Duck is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Duck or Cleveland Better for Families?

Duck 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.

Duck is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Cleveland Better for Couples?

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

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Both Duck and Cleveland offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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.

Is Duck or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Duck. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Duck?

How long in Duck or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Cleveland. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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

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

One day in Duck or Cleveland?

Even though Duck is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Cleveland. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Duck or Cleveland?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cleveland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Cleveland?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Cleveland. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Cleveland?

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The under-rated city of Cleveland offers nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Duck or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 800 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck and Cleveland, 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 Duck or Cleveland?

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 Duck or Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Duck during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Duck is around the same temperature as Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the summer, Duck often gets less sunshine than Cleveland. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun.

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Cleveland. Many visitors come to Duck in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Duck is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Duck in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Duck or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck as well as Cleveland. Most visitors come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. Duck can be very cold during winter. In January, Duck is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 41°F (5°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Duck often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Duck is a little warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cleveland. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Duck