Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Blue Ridge?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Blue Ridge or Ottawa?
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 Blue Ridge and Ottawa. 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.
Where Should I go: Blue Ridge or Ottawa?
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a resort town, located in the northern part of Georgia in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It is a popular destination for outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and even whitewater rafting. Whether you wish to stay in a cozy cabin or luxury resort, the environment is one enveloped by the natural beauty of mountain scenery.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBlue Ridge $124Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Blue Ridge and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBlue Ridge $67Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBlue Ridge $134Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Blue Ridge $34Ottawa $7.21
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 Blue Ridge or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Blue Ridge 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBlue Ridge $35Ottawa $17
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Blue Ridge $18Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge
For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
- 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBlue Ridge $20Ottawa $18
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 Blue Ridge and Ottawa, we can see that Blue Ridge 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 690 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.
In July, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBlue Ridge 81°F (27°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Blue Ridge is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBlue Ridge 63°F (17°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBlue Ridge 40°F (5°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBlue Ridge 62°F (17°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Blue Ridge
| Blue Ridge | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 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.