Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Brisbane or Ottawa?
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, 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 dayBrisbane $133Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, 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 Brisbane and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $82Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $164Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Ottawa $7.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $19
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $134
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $124
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $91
- Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $231
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $54
- NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $66
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $52
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Brisbane 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 dayBrisbane $31Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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Bread$1.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165
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.Brisbane $24Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $57
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $33
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $86
- Adventure Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Package: $120
- Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $70
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $133
- Australia's First Upside Down House Photo Experience: $10
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $180
- Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $134
- Bloody Brisbane Crime Tour by Coach - Crime Tours Australia: $43
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: $6.69
- 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 : $151
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrisbane $51Ottawa $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Brisbane: $100
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $133
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $134
- Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $144
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 Brisbane and Ottawa, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Ottawa?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Ottawa?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Brisbane is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Ottawain July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 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 JulyBrisbane 25°C (77°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Brisbane is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brisbane in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Ottawain October. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Ottawain October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 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 OctoberBrisbane 22°C (71°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In July, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Ottawain January. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 15°C (59°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Ottawain January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JanuaryBrisbane 15°C (59°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Brisbane during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Brisbane is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the spring, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Ottawain April. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Ottawain April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 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 AprilBrisbane 21°C (69°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Brisbane
| Brisbane | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.