Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Auckland or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Ottawa?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, 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 dayAuckland $141Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, 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 Auckland and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $89Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $178Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16Ottawa $7.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.62
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $145
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $112
- Private Transfer From Cruise Ships To Auckland Airport : $121
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $72
- Private Luxury Transfers from Auckland Airport TO Auckland Hotels: $145
- Private Auckland Airport Transfer to/from Auckland Hotels - Van: $109
- Premium Auckland Airport Transfer: $84
- Luxury Airport transfers in Auckland : $139
- Luxury Airport Transfers Auckland : $133
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $27Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
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.Auckland $28Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $66
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $241
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $112
- All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $48
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour small group : $115
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $66
- Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $207
- Auckland City Highlights Experience - Fully Guided Small Group Day Tour: $196
- Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $95
- Auckland City Highlights and Hidden Gems Half Day Tour: $109
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 Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $14Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196
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 comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Ottawa, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Ottawa is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Ottawa?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Ottawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Auckland or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Auckland is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Ottawain July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In April, Auckland is generally much warmer than Ottawain October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Ottawain October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Ottawain October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Ottawa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. Auckland is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F)in January.
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Ottawain January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Auckland is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F)in April.
In the spring, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawain April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Ottawain April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Auckland
| Auckland | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.