Which place is cheaper, Toronto 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 Toronto?
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 Toronto 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 Toronto?
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.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $203. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCarmel-by-the-Sea -Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea $125Toronto $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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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:
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
- Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $41
- Private Departure Transfer-Toronto to Pearson Airport(YYZ) or YTZ: $41
- Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels: $42
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer - YYZ Airport to Toronto Downton Hotel & Accommodations: $73
- Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Oakville City Ontario: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $153Toronto $65
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
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: $72
- 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: $90
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea -Toronto $31
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:
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
- 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $149
- 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
- 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour: $70
- 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $189
- Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $139
- Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $20
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
- Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
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)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
- Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.28
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
- Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.02
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCarmel-by-the-Sea -Toronto $22
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 Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Craft Brewery Tour: $75
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 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 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 1140 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Toronto. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCarmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Toronto. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 62°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Toronto. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCarmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCarmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Toronto. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCarmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Carmel-by-the-Sea
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | -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.