A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asheville vs. Toronto for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Toronto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Toronto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Asheville and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Asheville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Asheville attracts visitors for its music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Toronto is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. 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.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Music?

Asheville is a very popular place for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Asheville while you're in town. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Toronto does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Asheville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Toronto does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Toronto does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Toronto does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Toronto are very good family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toronto. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Couples?

Asheville and Toronto both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Toronto is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Toronto are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Is Asheville or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Is Asheville or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. 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.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Toronto?

Both Asheville and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Asheville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toronto.

One day in Asheville or Toronto?

In Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Toronto?

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Asheville has to offer.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Toronto?

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toronto, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Toronto, 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 Asheville or Toronto?

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 Asheville or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the summer, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Asheville is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Toronto. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Asheville during the winter are popular places to visit. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Toronto. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Toronto. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Asheville