A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Charlottesville vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Charlottesville or Toronto?

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 Charlottesville and Toronto. 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a young, collegiate, and southern university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums. See Charlottesville travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Charlottesville and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto. Although Charlottesville and Toronto are popular destinations, Toronto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Toronto is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Charlottesville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Toronto is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Toronto are world-renowned. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

Is the Food Better in Charlottesville or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Charlottesville is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Toronto is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto More Beautiful?

Charlottesville is a university town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Charlottesville is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toronto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Toronto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Students?

For students, both Charlottesville and Toronto are fantastic places to visit.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Charlottesville or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Both Charlottesville and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Charlottesville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlottesville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Charlottesville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toronto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Charlottesville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toronto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Charlottesville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toronto.

One day in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlottesville has to offer.

Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or Toronto?

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charlottesville. Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Charlottesville and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlottesville Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Toronto. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlottesville is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 78°F (26°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Charlottesville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlottesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Toronto. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Toronto. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Charlottesville is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. It's quite cold in Charlottesville in the winter. In the winter, Charlottesville is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlottesville in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Toronto. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Charlottesville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Charlottesville is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 58°F (14°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Charlottesville