Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Bern?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bern or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bern or Toronto? 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: Bern or Toronto?
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBern $252Toronto $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $252, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $205. 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 Bern and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBern $163Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBern $326Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Bern and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Bern or Toronto? 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: Bern Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bern $34Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
- Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228
- Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $192
- Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$27
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
- Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $41
- Private Departure Transfer-Toronto to Pearson Airport(YYZ) or YTZ: $41
- Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels: $42
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer - YYZ Airport to Toronto Downton Hotel & Accommodations: $73
- Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Oakville City Ontario: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Bern 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 dayBern $60Toronto $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.
- Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $66
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $73
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $93
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $152
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bern $34Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
- 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $633
- Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $598
- Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $81
- Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
- Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
- Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local: $157
- Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $162
- Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
- Bern Old City Walking Tour: $464
- Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $537
- Bern Private Walking Tour: $336
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.32
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
- Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.31
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
- Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.08
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBern $27Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.07
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto : Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $38
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
- Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Toronto, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Toronto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bern is in Europe and Toronto 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 Toronto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toronto 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Toronto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bern Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bern or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Bern is around the same temperature as Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bern. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.
Bern usually gets less rain in July than Toronto. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBern 21°C (70°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Bern or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Toronto. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Bern is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Bern usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Toronto. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBern 13°C (55°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Bern or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bern as well as Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.
Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Toronto. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBern 3°C (37°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Bern or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.
Bern is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Bern usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBern 11°C (52°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Bern
| Bern | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 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.