Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Cape Cod?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod 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: Cape Cod or Ottawa?
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, in eastern Massachusetts, is a popular travel destination for its natural beauty, rich history, and world renowned restaurants. Many visitors enjoy the bed and breakfasts that are so common in the area, but travelers on a budget may find their money goes a bit farther if that find a short term rental property a bit removed from the water.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, 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 dayCape Cod $183Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $183, 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 Cape Cod and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Cod $92Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Cod $184Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Cape Cod and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod 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: Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Cod $50Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- 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 Cape Cod or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Cape Cod 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 dayCape Cod $60Ottawa $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Cod $27Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Cape Cod
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.
- National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
- 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
- Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
- Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
- Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
- Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
- Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
- Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149
- The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
- Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Cod $19Ottawa $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Cod and Ottawa, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Ottawa. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.
Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Cod usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Cape Cod gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCape Cod 68°F (20°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Cape Cod or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Cape Cod is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cape Cod gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCape Cod 53°F (12°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Cape Cod or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cape Cod is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Cape Cod usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Cape Cod gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In January, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCape Cod 31°F (-0°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Cape Cod or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Cape Cod during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
Cape Cod is a little warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. In the spring, Cape Cod often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cape Cod gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCape Cod 45°F (7°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Cape Cod
| Cape Cod | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 32°F (-0°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 38°F (3°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 45°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 62°F (17°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 53°F (12°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 4.5 inches (115 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.