Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Calgary or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Calgary and Ottawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Calgary or Ottawa?
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $154Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $154, 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 Calgary and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Calgary 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: Calgary Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $91
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary Downtown: $138
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $91
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary Downtown: $121
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary: $181
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $111
- Private Transfer from Fernie to Calgary International Airport: $76
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Luxury Van: $128
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotels: $63
- Private Calgary to Banff One-way Transfer in Luxury Car: $298
- Lake Louise: Calgary to Lake Louise Private Transfer 1 Way: $472
- From Private Transfer to Lake Louise: $581
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Calgary 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 dayCalgary $31Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81
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 : $72
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Tour in Rocky Mountain Yoho National Park: $156
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Calgary's Highlights: $239
- 2-Hour Scooter Tour of Calgary's City Highlights: $69
- 3-Hour Bike Tour of Calgary, E-Bike Upgrade Options Available: $102
- 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary with Craft Beer Tastings: $102
- Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $115
- Banff Tour with Gondola & Lake Cruise - roundtrip from Calgary: $241
- Banff and Jasper 2 Days Breathtaking Tour: $164
- Banff, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour from Calgary, Canmore: $96
- Big Boat Canoe Tour: $44
- Calgary City Sightseeing Tour: $163
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.19
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.40
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.40
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.72
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $90
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calgary and Ottawa, we can see that Calgary 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 Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary 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 Calgary Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Ottawa?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Calgary 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.
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.