Which place is cheaper, Ontario or Alaska?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Alaska or Ontario?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Alaska or Ontario? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Alaska or Ontario?
Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
Ontario
Chances are when you think of Canada, the things that come to mind are all located in the province of Ontario. Ontario has the highest population of any province in the country, and is the heart of Canadian tourism. As the home of Toronto, Niagara Falls and Lake Superior, this area is a major tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.
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Alaska Prices
USA PricesOntario Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlaska $280Ontario $13,822
The average daily cost (per person) in Alaska is $280, while the average daily cost in Ontario is $13,822. 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 Alaska and Ontario in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlaska $135Ontario $7,513
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlaska $270Ontario $
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Compare Hotels in Alaska and Ontario
Looking for a hotel in Alaska or Ontario? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alaska $51Ontario $2,148
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Seward Cruise Transfer with Wildlife & Scenic Tour to Anchorage: $249
- Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer Tour with Port Drop-Off: $239
- Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Whittier to Anchorage Transfer on Sprinter Van: $199
- Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife&Glacier tour to Anchorage: $199
- Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $197
- Whittier to Anchorage Post Cruise Scenic Transfer Tour: $195
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Portage Glacier Express with Van Transfer from Anchorage: $123
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ontario
Also for Ontario, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Toronto Airport YYZ Private Transfer to Toronto (Special Offer): $29
- Toronto to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer-Toronto to Pearson Airport(YYZ) or YTZ: $40
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto: $42
- Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport (YYZ): $42
- Private YYZ Arrival Transfer-Pearson Airport to Toronto/Misisauga: $44
- Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $47
- Private Transfer to Toronto Airport (YYZ): $48
- Private Transfer from Toronto Airport (YYZ): $48
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $55
- Toronto Airport YYZ Roundtrip Transfer to Toronto (Special Offer): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Alaska or Ontario?
Prices for flights to both Ontario and Alaska 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
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Food Meals for one dayAlaska $94Ontario $4,432
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
- Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre Experience: $95
- Aurora Viewing and Dinner: $120
- Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195
- Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner: $200
- Seward: Whale Watching & Glacier Dinner Cruise: $228
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ontario
For Ontario, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $64
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Guided Food Tour with Ice Wine & Poutine: $65
- Downtown London Walking Food Tour: $65
- Toronto Best Private St Lawrence Market Food Tour: $70
- Toronto: Niagara Falls Night Tour, Boat, Journey, Dinner & Tower: $72
- 2 Hour Express Toronto Food Tour: Flavors of Kensington Market: $75
- Toronto: Authentic Food Tour with Local & International Flavors: $75
- Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy: $77
- Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery: $78
- Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $80
- Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $89
- European Evening Walking Food Tour in London, Ontario: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alaska $65Ontario $1,494
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
- 1 Hour Fairbanks Guided, Double Rider, Snowmobile Adventure: $260
- 1 Hour Fall Sled Dog Experience in Two Rivers: $130
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure in Boreal Forest: $159
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $175
- 14 passenger Whale Watching Tours in Icy Strait aka Hoonah AK: $293
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Chichagof Island Guided Driving Tour: $125
- 2 Hour Private Marine Wildlife Tour: $200
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $146
- 3 Hour Guided Driving Tour in Hoonah Alaska: $150
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
Tours and Activities in Ontario
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ontario.
- Discover Toronto: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.15
- Toronto Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.94
- Toronto Essentials Tour: Old Town & Downtown Highlights (PWYC): $4.38
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.57
- Ottawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $5.00
- Toronto Iconic Core and Landmarks Walking Tour: $5.00
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Collingwood and Toronto: $6.56
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.56
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Huntsville & Toronto: $6.56
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Bracebridge & Toronto: $6.56
- Toronto Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 23 audio commentary: $6.93
- Ottawa Walking Tour 2h20 and 25 audio commentary: $6.93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlaska $20Ontario $848
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skagway Spirits Distillery Tour Tasting and Scenic Views: $102
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour: $159
- Arctic Ale Trail: a Fairbanks Brewery Tour with Drinks & Pickup.: $189
- NEW: Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
Sample the Local Flavors in Ontario
Also in Ontario, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $7.39
- Astounding Bar Crawl: Take On Toronto: $15
- Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
- Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
- Between the Lines Black Glass Wine Tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $23
- Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $28
- Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery: $29
- Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $58
- Blindfold Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier Niagara: $65
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Transportation: $73
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tasting Tour: $94
- Relaxing Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $94
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alaska and Ontario, we can see that Ontario is more expensive. And not only is Alaska much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alaska would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alaska 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 Ontario would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ontario than you might in Alaska.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alaska Expensive? and Is Ontario Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Alaska or Ontario?
Ontario has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of Alaska and Ontario, 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.
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.