Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Budapest 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 Budapest and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Budapest or Toronto?
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBudapest $91Toronto $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $91, 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 Budapest and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBudapest $50Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBudapest $100Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Budapest $11Toronto $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride$7.05
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Metro Pass$3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $710
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,603
- Speed boat cruise on Budapest Danube river and private airport transfer package: $91
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $936
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $592
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,066
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $474
- Private Transfer: Budapest to Budapest International Airport (BUD): $44
- Private Transfer in Budapest: $76
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $235
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna with 2h of Sightseeing: $217
- Private Transfer from Budapest to Liszt Ferenc Airport: $74
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:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
- Round-Trip Transfer Between Billy Bishop Toronto (YTZ) Airport and Niagara Falls: $267
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara: $238
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto: $223
- Private Arrival Transfer. Pearson Airport to Kitchener/Waterloo : $215
- Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Pearson Airport : $208
- Private Transfer:Toronto Airport or Collingwood - Blue Mountain Resort One way: $202
- Private Transfer: Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ) to Niagara Falls, ON: $197
- Toronto Pearson Airport arrival transfer (Airport to any Hotel or Address): $197
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Toronto Airport Private Transfer to Downtown : $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Budapest 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 dayBudapest $23Toronto $66
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
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Lunch$3.44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $52
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $53
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
- Private Street Food Tour: $59
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
- Chefparade Cooking School_ Hungarian menu: $79
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
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.Budapest $22Toronto $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.91
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $186
- 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
- 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $57
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $39
- 2 Hours Budapest Walking Tour with A Private Guide: $130
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $50
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $127
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
- 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
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:
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $186
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBudapest $18Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $22
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $22
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $39
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Private Wine Tasting in Budapest: $50
- Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
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 Budapest and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest 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 Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Budapest or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Toronto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Toronto. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Toronto. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Toronto. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBudapest 21°C (70°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Budapest is around the same temperature as Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBudapest 12°C (53°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Budapest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Budapest is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).
Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Toronto. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBudapest -1°C (31°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Budapest is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBudapest 12°C (53°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Budapest
| Budapest | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.