A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Cincinnati for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Cincinnati?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Cincinnati. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a blue collar, authentic, and hard-working city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Sarasota and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sarasota than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Cincinnati is well known for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Sarasota different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sarasota and Cincinnati.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.


Is the Food Better in Sarasota or Cincinnati? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Sarasota and Cincinnati.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cincinnati area. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

The vibe at night is notable in both Sarasota and Cincinnati.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cincinnati. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Sarasota is a popular place for its resorts. However, Cincinnati is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Sarasota is a popular place for the beach. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Cincinnati both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Many visitors go to Cincinnati to go shopping. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.


Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Sarasota is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

Is Sarasota or Cincinnati Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.


Is Sarasota or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Cincinnati because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Sarasota 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 Cincinnati.


  • How many days in Sarasota or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sarasota 2-5 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

With museums and nightlife around the entertaining city of Sarasota, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Cincinnati offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarasota, 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.

Cincinnati is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cincinnati, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Sarasota, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Sarasota 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.

Cincinnati is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Sarasota?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Sarasota Prices
    USA Prices
    Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sarasota $350
    Cincinnati $223

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $350, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $223. 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 Sarasota and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or Cincinnati? 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 Sarasota


Hotels in Cincinnati


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: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

  • Private Airport Arrival Transfer From Sarasota (SRQ) Airport: $24
  • Private Airport Departure Transfer To Sarasota (SRQ) Airport: $24
  • Sarasota Airport (SRQ) to Anna Maria island - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
  • Sarasota Airport(SRQ) to Anna Maria island hotel-Arrival Transfer: $125
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $55
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Sarasota 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
    Sarasota $238
    Cincinnati $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown Sarasota Dinner Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarasota $11
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Palmetto Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours: $40
  • Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • Siesta Key: Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboard Tour: $55
  • Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour: $55
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure : $55
  • Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour: $58
  • Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
  • Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59
  • Glass Bottom Kayak Fish Feeding LED Night Tour: $59
  • Sarasota Waterways Tour for All Ages: $60
  • Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $60
  • Clear Kayak Private Guided Day and Night Tours in Florida: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarasota -
    Cincinnati $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Cincinnati, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Cincinnati much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cincinnati would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cincinnati 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Cincinnati.

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


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Cincinnati, 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 Sarasota or Cincinnati?

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 Sarasota or Cincinnati in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Cincinnati. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as Cincinnati in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cincinnati. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the summer, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Cincinnati. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun.

Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

Both Cincinnati and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cincinnati in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sarasota is much warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Cincinnati in the Winter?

Both Cincinnati and Sarasota during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cincinnati can be very cold during winter. In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cincinnati. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Cincinnati in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Cincinnati. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

Sarasota is much warmer than Cincinnati in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Cincinnati. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Sarasota

Sarasota Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)