Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Niagara Falls 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls?
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCarmel-by-the-Sea -Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls? 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea $125Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Private Departure Transfer: Niagara Falls, Ontario to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $87
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $97
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $153Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Thai Cooking Class in Monterey: $99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea -Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between San Francisco & Monterey: $7.99
- Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Off the Beaten Path in A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey: $7.99
- 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
- Discover Enchanted Cottages: A Carmel-by-the-Sea Audio Tour: $11
- Scenic 17-Mile Drive Tour - Self Drive Audio Guide from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- Point Lobos - A Private Charming Ocean Tour: $15
- Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
- Monterey: Ocean Paradise, Trolley and Walking Tour: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCarmel-by-the-Sea -Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Niagara Falls, we can see that Niagara Falls is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Niagara Falls would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Niagara Falls than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Niagara Falls, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls?
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally cooler than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 63°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In July, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCarmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
Both Niagara Falls and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in October than Niagara Falls. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCarmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Niagara Falls can be very cold. In the winter, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In January, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCarmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Niagara Falls. The spring months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in April than Niagara Falls. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCarmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Carmel-by-the-Sea
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | -0°C (31°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.