Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Columbus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Columbus or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Columbus 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: Columbus or Ottawa?
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbus $158Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, 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 Columbus and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbus $72Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbus $144Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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: Columbus Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbus $50Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus
Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
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 Columbus or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Columbus 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 dayColumbus $49Ottawa $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Columbus $46Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
- Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColumbus $20Ottawa $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 Columbus and Ottawa, we can see that Columbus 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Columbus or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyColumbus 77°F (25°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Columbus or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.
Columbus is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColumbus 57°F (14°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Columbus or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Columbus usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColumbus 30°F (-1°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Columbus or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Ottawa.
In April, Columbus is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilColumbus 54°F (12°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Columbus
| Columbus | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 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.