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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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: Clearwater or Ottawa?

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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa 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 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 Clearwater and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Ottawa


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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Ottawa $7.21

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
  • Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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
    Ottawa $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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Ottawa $40

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown St Pete: $59
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
  • 90 Minute Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Clearwater at Hatchet Hangout: $50
  • All Day Fishing Experience from John's Pass in Madeira Beach, FL - 10 Hours: $160
  • Amazing Helicopter Tour of Treasure Island, John's Pass, Don CeSar Resort & Bay: $126
  • Brief History of Tarpon Springs - Guided Golf Cart Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
  • Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Ottawa $18

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 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 Clearwater and Ottawa, we can see that Clearwater 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 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 Ottawa.

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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Clearwater or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Clearwater during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In July, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the summer, Clearwater often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene.

Clearwater is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ottawa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

In April, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Clearwater

Clearwater Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)