Is Ottawa Expensive?

Is Ottawa expensive to visit?

Ottawa is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $124. If we compare it to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a reasonably affordable place to visit. It ranks in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Niagara Falls and Quebec City.



Ottawa, Canada

How expensive is Ottawa?

Travelers spend an average of $124 per day when visiting Ottawa (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Ottawa here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Ottawa?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Ottawa costs around $371 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $741.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Ottawa?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Ottawa will cost around $865 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $1,730.

Is it expensive to backpack in Ottawa?

Ottawa attracts a few backpackers, but traveling on a budget can be challenging because there are only a small number of hostels found here. The average cost of a dorm bed in a hostel in Ottawa is $25 per night. The cheapest beds cost about $22 and the most expensive are more than $27 per night. (See hostel prices in Ottawa here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Ottawa.

  • $22 for a dorm bed at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

Are hotels expensive in Ottawa?

When we look at our analysis of hotel prices in Ottawa, we find them to be somewhat lower in price in comparison to the rest of the world. The average nightly cost for a hotel room here is approximately $122. The area boasts about [5_STAR_COUNT] five-star hotels with an average rate of [5_STAR_PRICE] per night. For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, three-star hotels offer an average rate of $127 per night, while two-star hotels provide an even more budget-friendly option at $102 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Ottawa
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
4 stars 9 $167
3 stars 24 $127
2 stars 25 $102

150 Albert Street, Ottawa
Overall Rating 8.6
100 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Overall Rating 8.5

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $40 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $24.

    • Ticket to WonderStruck: Ottawa's Magic Experience: $33
    • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
    • Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $151
    • Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour: $90
    • Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
    • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
    • City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $76
    • Ottawa Small Group Night Tour with River Cruise + Light Show: $121

    Is food expensive in Ottawa?

    In Ottawa, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $17 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $38.

    • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $72
    • Ottawa: Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79

    Is transportation expensive in Ottawa?

    Exploring local transportation in Ottawa shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $7 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $22. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

    More for Ottawa

    If you're planning a trip to Ottawa, Ontario, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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