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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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: Cocoa Beach or Ottawa?

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, Florida has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers looking for sun, sand, and waves. The location was also made famous as the setting for the 1960's television show, "I Dream of Jeannie". The town of just over 11,000 is located in Brevard County along the Atlantic coast. Many people visit the area because of its excellent surfing. There are many surfing festivals and competitions held here yearly and the famous Ron Jon's surf shop receives about 2 million visitors a year. The city is also home to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours 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 Cocoa Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, 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 Cocoa Beach and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Ottawa $7.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $43
    Ottawa $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Ottawa $40

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
  • Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85
  • Clear Kayak Guided Kayak Tours in Titusville: $65

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

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

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
  • City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
  • Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
  • Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
  • Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
  • Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
  • Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
  • Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Ottawa $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cocoa Beach:

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39

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 Cocoa Beach and Ottawa, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Ottawa?

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 Cocoa Beach or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ottawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ottawa. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)