Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Atlanta?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Atlanta or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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: Atlanta or Ottawa?
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.
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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, 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 dayAtlanta $173Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlanta is $173, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Atlanta and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAtlanta $90Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAtlanta $180Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Atlanta and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Atlanta 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: Atlanta Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Atlanta $44Ottawa $7.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:
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MARTA Subway Ticket$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta
Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in executiveprivate vehicle from Atlanta Downtown -Atlanta Airport(ATL): $53
- Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport: $67
- Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Airport to Atlanta Downtown: $67
- Sno Roth Luxury Car Service and Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $121
- Private Transfer from Atlanta City to Atlanta (ATL) Airport: $95
- Private Transfer from Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Atlanta City: $95
- Private Departure Transfer to Atlanta Airport (ATL): $40
- Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
- Land transfer limo suv sedan vans : $145
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $283
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $197
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $219
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Atlanta or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Atlanta 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 dayAtlanta $43Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Atlanta
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:
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Fast Food Lunch (for 2)$15
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Lunch$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta
For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $69
- 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
- Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
- Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
- Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99
- Walking Food Tour: $102
- Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Private Truist Park and Battery Braves Atlanta Food Tour: $129
- Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta Food Tour: $129
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
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Atlanta $56Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Atlanta
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.
- 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
- 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
- 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
- 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
- 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
- 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
- African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
- African-American Heritage&Civil Rights Atlanta Half-Day Tour: $668
- Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
- Atlanta Comedy City Tour: $40
- Atlanta Electric Car City Tour: $45
- Atlanta Falcons Football Game Ticket at Mercedes Benz Stadium: $31
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $118
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $73
- Downtown Private Investigator Quest Experience: $8.28
- From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $232
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $188
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa : Afternoon or Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Ottawa River: $63
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAtlanta $17Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:
- Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
- ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
- Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
- Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta : $120
- Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
- North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $170
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Ottawa, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Atlanta Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Ottawa?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Atlanta is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAtlanta 82°F (28°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Atlanta is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAtlanta 66°F (19°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAtlanta 45°F (7°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Atlanta or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.
Atlanta is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAtlanta 65°F (18°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Atlanta
| Atlanta | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 45°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 49°F (9°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 57°F (14°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 66°F (19°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 48°F (9°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | -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.