A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Cleveland for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Ocean City or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Ocean City and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Cleveland?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ocean City than Cleveland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ocean City is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Also, Ocean City is famous for the Ocean City boardwalk. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Ocean City different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Cleveland?

Cleveland is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Ocean City 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 Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

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

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Cleveland?

Cleveland is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Cleveland to go shopping. 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Cleveland Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Cleveland Better for Couples?

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

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Both Ocean City and Cleveland offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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 Ocean City or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Cleveland both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Cleveland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ocean City 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 Ocean City.

One day in Ocean City or Cleveland?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Ocean City. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cleveland, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Cleveland?

You'll find food and nightlife around the active destination of Ocean City. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Cleveland, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Cleveland?

You'll find nightlife and food around the active city of Ocean City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Cleveland, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Cleveland?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cleveland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Cleveland in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Cleveland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Cleveland. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In October, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Cleveland. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, 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. Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Ocean City is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is a little warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Ocean City