Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Amsterdam or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Ottawa, 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.
Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Ottawa?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam €175Ottawa €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €175, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is €114. 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 Amsterdam and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam €102Ottawa €17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam €204Ottawa €34
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Ottawa? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam €20Ottawa €6.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram€3.20
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Renting a Bike€15
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One Hour Canal Cruise€10
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Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City - Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $44
- Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port terminal in Amsterdam: $67
- Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $135
- Roundtrip Transfer Schiphol - Amsterdam: $139
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Amsterdam Airport (AMS) - Amsterdam City: $108
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $312
- Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $145
- Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
- Private transfer between Rotterdam - Amsterdam (incl. Schiphol airport) : $170
- Private departure transfer from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport (AMS): $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam €43Ottawa €16
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
- Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam €37Ottawa €37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
- Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
- 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $20
- 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $22
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $164
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $43
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
- 2-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $131
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $49
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.46
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam €24Ottawa €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Ottawa, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Ottawa is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Ottawa, 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 Amsterdam or Ottawa?
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 Amsterdam or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Amsterdam is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmsterdam 17°C (62°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Amsterdam is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmsterdam 11°C (51°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Amsterdam is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmsterdam 2°C (36°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Amsterdam or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Ottawa. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
In the spring, Amsterdam is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmsterdam 8°C (46°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Amsterdam
| Amsterdam | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
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.