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

Should you visit Wilmington or Cincinnati?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Cincinnati, 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Wilmington and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Wilmington or Cincinnati?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wilmington than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Wilmington, Wilmington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Wilmington is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Wilmington different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cincinnati can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.


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

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Both Wilmington and Cincinnati offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cincinnati. 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 Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Cincinnati.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Wilmington is well known for the beach. However, Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.


Is Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Wilmington is a popular place for its old town. However, Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Cincinnati does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Cincinnati?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Is Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Wilmington is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Wilmington is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cincinnati. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Cincinnati Better for Students?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Wilmington is popular with students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.


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

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Wilmington or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Cincinnati

Cincinnati is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wilmington or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wilmington 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 Wilmington, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cincinnati.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cincinnati than Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Wilmington or Cincinnati?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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


A weekend in Wilmington or Cincinnati?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cincinnati, 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 Wilmington or Cincinnati?

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati, 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 Wilmington or Cincinnati?

Wilmington 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 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 for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Wilmington?

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

  • Wilmington Prices
    USA Prices
    Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wilmington $245
    Cincinnati $223

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $245, 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 Wilmington and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington 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 Wilmington


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Cincinnati $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $97
    Cincinnati $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • True Crime Tour of Wilmington: $20
  • Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Wilmington by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $24
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Wraiths & Wicked Whispers: Wilmington Ghost Tour: $26
  • Holiday Lights Cruise: $30
  • Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour: $30
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Sunset Cruise with Live Music: $45
  • Wrightsville Beach Sunset Dolphin Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    Cincinnati $11


When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington and Cincinnati, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Cincinnati in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Cincinnati. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Cincinnati for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Cincinnati. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the summer, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cincinnati. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 298 hours of full sun.

Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Cincinnati. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Cincinnati in the Autumn?

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

In October, Wilmington is generally a little warmer than Cincinnati. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Cincinnati fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Cincinnati. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Cincinnati in the Winter?

Both Cincinnati and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cincinnati in the winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Cincinnati in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Cincinnati fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Cincinnati. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cincinnati receives 129 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Cincinnati. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Wilmington or Cincinnati in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Cincinnati. The beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the spring, Wilmington is a little warmer than Cincinnati. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Cincinnati averages at about 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cincinnati this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Cincinnati during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Cincinnati receives 215 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Cincinnati. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Cincinnati receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Cincinnati and Wilmington

Wilmington Cincinnati
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)