A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Toronto for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Toronto?

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 Big Sur and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Big Sur different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Toronto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Big Sur or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Toronto specifically to go shopping. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Toronto Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Big Sur or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Is Big Sur or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Toronto. 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.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is great for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. 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.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Toronto?

Both Big Sur 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 Big Sur. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Toronto?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Big Sur or Toronto?

In Big Sur, you'll find 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 Big Sur has to offer.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Big Sur or Toronto?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in 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 Big Sur and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Toronto?

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 Big Sur or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Toronto. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Big Sur is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Sur in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Toronto. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 62°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Big Sur is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In January, Big Sur usually receives more rain than Toronto. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Big Sur during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the spring, Big Sur is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Sur in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Big Sur