Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Boston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston 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.
Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Boston travel costs.
Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ottawa and Boston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Boston is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.
Many visitors head to Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.
Boston is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Ottawa is not a theatre destination.
While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.
Ottawa is not a theatre destination.
Boston is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Boston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.
Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.
Boston is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.
Boston has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.
Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.
Boston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Ottawa is not a live music destination.
The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.
Ottawa is not a live music destination.
Boston is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.
The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.
Ottawa is not a beach destination.
Boston is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.
Ottawa does not have a historic old town.
Both Boston and Ottawa are notable shopping destinations.
Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ottawa. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.
Boston is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.
Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.
Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.
Boston is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.
Boston and Ottawa both notable destinations for a couple.
Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.
Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.
Both Boston and Ottawa are notable destinations for backpackers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.
Boston is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.
Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.
Boston is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.
You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.
Boston is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.
Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boston and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than in Ottawa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.
Families should spend more time in Boston than Ottawa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Boston than Ottawa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boston that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Ottawa 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 Boston.
Boston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ottawa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Ottawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the proud big city of Boston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ottawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $291, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $127. 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 Boston and Ottawa in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Boston 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Boston 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Ottawa, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Boston 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.
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.
Both Ottawa and Boston during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Boston is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boston. In the summer, Boston often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ottawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Boston is a little warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Boston usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Boston usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Boston as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Boston can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Boston is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Boston often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Ottawa and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Boston is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. Boston usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Boston usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Boston | Ottawa | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Mar | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Jun | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |