A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Clearwater vs. Niagara Falls for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Clearwater or Niagara Falls?

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 Clearwater and Niagara Falls. 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: Clearwater or Niagara Falls?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Niagara Falls $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Niagara Falls


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127

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 Clearwater or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Clearwater 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Clearwater $46
    Niagara Falls $28

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Niagara Falls $20

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $14
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $21
  • Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphins and Donuts Morning Cruise: $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin and Sandbar Boat Cruise: $28
  • Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20

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 Clearwater and Niagara Falls, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Niagara Falls.

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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Niagara Falls?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

Both Niagara Falls and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In the summer, Clearwater is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene.

In October, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Niagara Falls. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. Clearwater is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Clearwater is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Niagara Falls. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Clearwater

Clearwater Niagara Falls
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) -4°C (26°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -3°C (28°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 10°C (49°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 20°C (68°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 23°C (74°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 22°C (72°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 6°C (43°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -0°C (31°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)