Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Columbia River Gorge?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls?
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.
The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbia River Gorge $179Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia River Gorge is $179, 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 Columbia River Gorge and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbia River Gorge $89Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbia River Gorge $178Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Columbia River Gorge and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Columbia River Gorge 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.
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: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbia River Gorge $78Niagara Falls $16
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 Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Columbia River Gorge 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 dayColumbia River Gorge $46Niagara 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Columbia River Gorge $20Niagara Falls $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColumbia River Gorge $12Niagara Falls $11
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 Columbia River Gorge and Niagara Falls, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Columbia River Gorge is cooler than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in July average around 68°F (20°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 Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyColumbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
Both Niagara Falls and Columbia River Gorge during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Columbia River Gorge is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 55°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.
Columbia River Gorge usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColumbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Niagara Falls. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. The weather in Columbia River Gorge can be very cold. Columbia River Gorge is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
Columbia River Gorge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls during winter. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.
Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Columbia River Gorge usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColumbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Niagara Falls. The natural beauty are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.
In the spring, Columbia River Gorge is around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in April average around 51°F (11°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 Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.
Columbia River Gorge usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Niagara Falls. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilColumbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Columbia River Gorge
| Columbia River Gorge | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 mm) | -0°C (31°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.