Toronto is a vibrant city known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Toronto, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Toronto?
You should plan to spend around $237 (CA$344) per day on your vacation in Toronto. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $106 (CA$155) on meals
- $31 (CA$44) on local transportation
- $162 (CA$236) on hotels
A one week trip to Toronto for two people costs, on average, $3,312 (CA$4,816). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,656
CA$2,408
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,312
CA$4,816
-
One Month
Per person
$7,097
CA$10,320
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,312
CA$4,816
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,624
CA$9,632
-
One Month
For a couple
$14,194
CA$20,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Toronto cost?
A one week trip to Toronto usually costs around $1,656 (CA$2,408) for one person and $3,312 (CA$4,816) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Toronto on average costs around $3,312 (CA$4,816) for one person and $6,624 (CA$9,632) 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 Toronto will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Toronto on average costs around $7,097 (CA$10,320) for one person and $14,194 (CA$20,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Toronto expensive to visit?
Toronto is a large and lively city with plentiful and fun activities around every corner. It's a place where all kinds of travelers converge, regardless of their budgets or styles. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Toronto can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $79 (CA$114) per day, mid-range travelers spend $237 (CA$344) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $815 (CA$1,185) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Toronto.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Toronto is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bangor or Saint Petersburg.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Toronto Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Toronto?
The average Toronto trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Toronto travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Toronto cost?
Toronto on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$29
(CA$42)
|
$81
(CA$118)
|
$255
(CA$371)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
(CA$17)
|
$31
(CA$44)
|
$86
(CA$126)
|
Food 2
|
$31
(CA$46)
|
$106
(CA$155)
|
$423
(CA$615)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(CA$16)
|
$29
(CA$43)
|
$88
(CA$128)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
(CA$6-18)
|
$11-32
(CA$15-46)
|
$26-79
(CA$38-115)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Toronto without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
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 $79 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.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Toronto, such as Planet Traveler Hostel, The Clarence Park, and All Days Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few. The city also offers convenient public transit, which can help budget travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Toronto, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
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. Those traveling to Toronto often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $237 per person, per day.
Toronto boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Yonge Suites Furnished Apartments is an excellent family-friendly option, while Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Toronto here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $815 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Niagara Falls Private Custom Tour from Toronto Area - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Toronto
Hotel prices in Toronto can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $149 up to around $278. From $89 for budget options to $571 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Toronto for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $162 (CA$236). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 (CA$118) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Toronto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Toronto include:
- Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square starting at $233
- Cambridge Suites Toronto starting at $169
- The Omni King Edward Hotel starting at $239
- Le Germain Hotel Toronto starting at $221
- Kimpton Saint George Hotel starting at $238
Toronto is a bustling city with a multitude of accommodation choices. From affordable hostels like Planet Traveler Hostel to cozy vacation rentals and luxury hotels, there's something for every budget. Be aware that lodging in the city center is generally more expensive, but offers convenient access to public transportation and major attractions.
Toronto has an excellent public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
Toronto is a very family friendly city. If you're traveling with kids, you'll likely want to find an apartment or accommodation with more space. Since it's a large city, rooms tend to be smaller and a bit tight on space.
With many visitors spending a week in Toronto, it could be useful to book a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can cook your meals.
If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Walking is a common way to explore Toronto, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.
Transportation Budget in Toronto
Transportation is essential in a large city like Toronto, and the good news is that the city has an excellent public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars. To save money, use the public transit, though taxis and rideshares are readily available for convenience.
Visitors who prefer to navigate the area by walking will have a delightful experience. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.
Public Transit: 



(excellent)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $31 (CA$44) per person, per day, on local transportation in Toronto. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Toronto is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$31
CA$44
Using public transit frequently? Consider multi-day transit passes to save a considerable amount of money.
Stay alert for pickpockets on the buses and trains and in the stations. Toronto is a significant city, so it's wise to be cautious.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Toronto Private Pearson Airport Transfers to Niagara Falls for $134 details
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto for $296 details
- Private Transfer to and from YYZ Toronto Pearson Airport for $71 details
How much does it cost to go to Toronto? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Toronto 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.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Toronto, 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.
-
Airport Shuttle
CA$36
-
Train: 2 Day Passes
CA$22
Food Budget in Toronto
You can't miss the fantastic food in Toronto. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Toronto can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Toronto is $106 (CA$155) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$106
CA$155
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Toronto is around $106 (CA$155) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $423. 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 Toronto are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $32
- Lunch: $16 to $43
- Dinner: $32 to $74
- Coffee: $9
- Fast Food or Street Food: $16
Toronto has an excellent restaurant scene with many top rated restaurants as well as plenty of unique and delicious dives. The city's diverse population means that it has an endless supply of ethnic restaurants with options from almost anywhere around the world. There are also many ethnic grocery stores where you can buy products that are hard to find outside of such a large and diverse city.
There are also many farmer's markets around the city. Although several operate year around, most are seasonal and are open from May to October. Two of the largest markets are St. Lawrence Market and Riverdale Farm. Others are found at City Hall, East York Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, North York Civic Centre, and Scarborough Civic Centre.
You can save money if you eat at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many restaurants in the tourist areas or business centers offer lunch specials or a "menu of the day". These are often just smaller and cheaper versions of their dinner menus. You can sometimes get a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget price if you look in the right places. Then, just eat a light meal at dinner.
If you're on a trip with your kids, find restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can really help you save money since those options are typically much more affordable. Some places might not show the kids' meals on their menu, so be sure to check with your waiter first.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Toronto, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Toronto Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $236 details
- Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour for $65 details
- Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market for $70 details
Typical prices for food in Toronto are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Toronto. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Toronto
People come to Toronto in droves for museums and attractions, nightlife, food, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Toronto typically cost an average of $29 (CA$43) 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.
$29
CA$43
There are any number of sights throughout Toronto. Some of the most popular include museums, architectural buildings and parks. Popular museums and art galleries include the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, the Toronto Aerospace Museum, and Ontario Science Centre. Other landmarks around the city include Rogers Centre, the Toronto Zoo, the Toronto City Hall, Black Creek Pioneer Village, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Spadina House, Casa Loma, and CN Tower.
Toronto is a great place to simply walk around. Head to Chinatown or wander one of the popular nearby islands. Also try to take in a show as theater is very popular here. Comedy shows are also a great way to pass some time and can make for a wonderful night outing.
Museums and Attractions:
Toronto's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.
A nice way to explore destinations in Toronto 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:
- PATH - A Walking Tour of Toronto's Underground City for $28 details
- Muskoka Ultimate Adventure for $140 details
- Algonquin Park Winter Adventure for $159 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Toronto, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in Toronto
With a nightlife scene that is second to none, Toronto draws in guests from across the globe. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $21 (CA$31) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Toronto per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
CA$31
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Toronto. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Pub Crawl Toronto for $36 details
- Guided Bicycle Tour - Midtown, Brickworks and Distillery District for $78 details
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto for $34 details
Travel cost data last updated: Oct 30, 2024
Traveling in Toronto
The Toronto Skyline
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
Toronto's climate is humid continental. There are four distinct seasons with warm and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. Spring and early summer can remain cool because of the lake breeze off of Lake Ontario. Temperatures in the winter months drop below freezing and snow can fall anytime between November and mid April. The summer temperatures are usually around 35 degrees Fahrenheit with temperatures in the 80s not uncommon. Summer is usually the wettest season but precipitation is still spread throughout the year.
Neighborhoods & Around
Toronto is divided into six of districts. Old Toronto includes the city's downtown area, West End, East End, Midtown, and the Islands. This area is the urban core of the city and Yonge Street runs through the middle.
Etobicoke is an industrial and residential area with suburban homes. It's where you'll find the Sherway Gardens, Woodbine Racetrack, and St. George's Golf Course.
York is an ethnically diverse area and was originally a separate city. East York was also a former autonomous borough. North York is where you'll find Parc Downsview Park, which is the Canada's first national urban park as well as Downsview Airport and North York Performing Arts Centre.
Scarborough feels like an old suburb of Toronto with interesting character. It is also the greenest part of the city.
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.