Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Columbia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Columbia or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Columbia or Ottawa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Columbia or Ottawa?
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbia $0.00Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, 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 Columbia and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbia -Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbia $0.00Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Columbia 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.
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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbia -Ottawa $7.21
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 Columbia or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Columbia 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 dayColumbia $5.03Ottawa $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.Columbia -Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12
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 dayColumbia $88Ottawa $18
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 Columbia and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa than you might in Columbia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbia Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Columbia or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the summer, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Columbia gets 293 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 Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyColumbia 82°F (28°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Columbia or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Ottawa. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.
In October, Columbia is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColumbia 64°F (18°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Columbia or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Columbia is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColumbia 45°F (7°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Columbia or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilColumbia 64°F (18°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Columbia
| Columbia | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 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.