Travel Budget for Cleveland Visit Cleveland on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The Midwest /
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Cleveland is a diverse city known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Cleveland?

You should plan to spend around $158 per day on your vacation in Cleveland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $62 on meals
  • $19 on local transportation
  • $151 on hotels

A one week trip to Cleveland for two people costs, on average, $2,212. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $158
  • One Week Per person
    $1,106
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,212
  • One Month Per person
    $4,740
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,212
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,424
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,480
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cleveland cost?

A one week trip to Cleveland usually costs around $1,106 for one person and $2,212 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cleveland on average costs around $2,212 for one person and $4,424 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cleveland will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cleveland on average costs around $4,740 for one person and $9,480 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cleveland expensive to visit?

Cleveland is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Cleveland can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $115 per day, mid-range travelers spend $158 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $261 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cleveland.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cleveland is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cleveland Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cleveland?

The average Cleveland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cleveland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cleveland cost?

Cleveland on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$75 $75 $75
Local Transportation 1 $7.09 $19 $53
Food 2 $25 $62 $148
Entertainment 1 $40 $40 $40
Alcohol 2 $23-68 $23-68 $23-68

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Cleveland is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $115 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Cleveland will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $158 per person, per day.

There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Cleveland. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Homewood Suites by Hilton Cleveland-Beachwood is a good kid-friendly option, and The Glidden House is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Cleveland here.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $261. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Cleveland

Hotel prices in Cleveland can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $141, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $263. Budget accommodations range from $99 to $366, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cleveland for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $151. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $75 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $75
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $151

Hotels in Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Cleveland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Cleveland

The average hotel room price in Cleveland based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $141 in the low season and $263 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cleveland include:

  • Hilton Cleveland Downtown starting at $216
  • Kimpton Schofield Hotel starting at $200
  • InterContinental Cleveland starting at $289
  • Metropolitan at The 9 Autograph Collection starting at $274
  • Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower starting at $242
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cleveland

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Cleveland

The public transit system in Cleveland is not very good. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Regrettably, a significant part of the city isn't easy to navigate on foot. 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.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $19 per person, per day, on local transportation in Cleveland. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cleveland is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $19

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland for $135 details
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE) for $64 details
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer for $88 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Cleveland
How much does it cost to go to Cleveland? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cleveland
The price of renting a car in Cleveland will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Cleveland?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in Cleveland, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36


Food Budget in Cleveland

In Cleveland, you'll find limited food options that aren't the best in quality. It's wise to prioritize your budget for activities that provide a better return on your time. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cleveland can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cleveland is $62 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $62

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cleveland is around $62 ($62) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $148. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cleveland are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $19
  • Lunch: $9 to $25
  • Dinner: $19 to $43
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

Being a major American city, Cleveland has just about any kind of food one could ask for, from major well-known restaurant and fast food chains to specialty international options like Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean and many more. There are also a number of vibrant markets with ethnic food options, as well as world-class restaurants, especially in the Downtown area. Other neighborhoods with premiere dining opportunities include the Historic Warehouse District, the Flats, Ohio City, Tremont, the Gateway Neighborhood, and along the Restaurant Row in the East Side suburbs. Italian-American bakeries are also abundant throughout the city, serving sweet handmade pastries and donuts, but a Cleveland specialty is the Cleveland-style Cassata Cake made with strawberries and rich custard. Another local favorite is the Polish Boy or Po' Boy, which consists of kielbasa and sauerkraut on a hot dog bun typically topped with hot sauce and served with french fries.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Cleveland. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland for $91 details
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour for $79 details
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland for $79 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Cleveland?

Food and meal prices in Cleveland, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cleveland

It's understandable that travelers choose Cleveland, as it is famous for museums and attractions, music, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cleveland typically cost an average of $40 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $40

Having boomed throughout the Industrial Revolution, Cleveland has a proud manufacturing history that is largely represented in a concentration of historical landmarks located in University Circle near the Downtown. One of the attractions here includes the Western Reserve Historical Society where two 20th-century mansions exhibit Cleveland's history as well as the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum and an extensive Cleveland historical research library. The area is also host to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Cultural Gardens (in Rockefeller Park), Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Lake View Cemetery where many famous people are buried, such as President James A. Garfield and John D. Rockefeller.

Cleveland is also nicknamed the “Rock n Roll Capital” due to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located Downtown. This museum is a must-see for visitors and locals alike, archiving the history of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, and other notable figures in rock and roll. Another of Cleveland's nicknames is the "Forest City" because of it parks and forested areas. The largest of these areas within the city is Rockefeller Park, which features the Cultural Gardens, a greenhouse, a seven-mile stream, and landmark late 19th-century bridges.



Aside from its parks and historical heritage, Cleveland also puts on a number of cultural events, big and small, throughout the year-especially in the arts districts. Entertainment ranges from theatre, dance, and music to gallery showings, exhibits, and much more. Another unique experience is the West Side Market, where visitors can buy artisan goods, fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared food. This is just one of many smaller varieties of markets throughout the city. Movie fans also make it a point to visit the Christmas Story House in the Tremont neighborhood, which has been restored to an accurate portrayal of the house in the movie, both inside and out.

Other activities include a packed schedule of professional sporting events, the most golf courses per capita in the United States, and a plethora of lake activities including boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, and a full range of water sports. Just outside the Cleveland area there are also miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding in what is known as the Emerald Necklace, boosting Cleveland's "Forest City" status.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Cleveland have earned worldwide fame. 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.

Music:
Cleveland features a popular music scene that consistently attracts people. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Cleveland is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour for $20 details
  • Cleveland Comedy City Tour for $35 details
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket for $14 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cleveland

If you're looking for nightlife, Cleveland has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $45 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cleveland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $45
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Cleveland. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack for $105 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Cleveland?

Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Cleveland, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cleveland

  • In summer, you'll find prices climbing and the city brimming with visitors. For a more affordable and peaceful experience, try to plan your visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Embracing a slower travel style can save you money, allowing you to enjoy the stunning sights at a leisurely pace. If your schedule is jam-packed with activities, you can quickly rack up expenses. Slowing down not only enhances your experience but often reduces costs as well.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Cleveland has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Cleveland isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
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Traveling in Cleveland
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Located on the shores of Lake Erie of the Great Lakes, Cleveland is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. As a culturally diverse and thriving metropolitan area, the city is host to a vast range of sights and activities, such as world-class museums, cultural events, professional sports, and golf courses as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.



Neighborhoods & Around

The three main districts of Cleveland are Downtown, East Side, and West Side. Downtown Cleveland hugs Lake Erie near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. It is further divided into individual neighborhoods and Cleveland State University, and is the most convenient location for accommodations during a visit due to its central location and proximity to plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment. East Side indicates the portion of the city that lies to the east of the river, while West Side indicates the portion to the right of the river. Both are broken down into an assortment of individual neighborhoods. East Side is known for its cultural and arts complex, while West Side is home to the airport and West Side market. While most of Cleveland's neighborhoods are walkable with plenty of restaurants, shopping, galleries, and cafes a few worthy of note include Tremont for its art scene of galleries, theatres, and cafes, Ohio City for its microbreweries, eclectic shops, and cafes, and Coventry Village for its metropolitan experience of locally-sourced food, antique shops, and retail locations.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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