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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Ottawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Ottawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Copenhagen or Ottawa?

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Copenhagen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $210, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Copenhagen and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $91
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $182
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen


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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $72
    Ottawa $7.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

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

  • Private transfer to/from hotel from/to airport Copenhagen: $144
  • Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $146
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Copenhagen Airport CPH: $130
  • Private Transfer from Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen city to Fredericia Cruise Port: $168
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Port: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen CPH to Copenhagen Port by Sedan: $123
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Fredericia Port: $168
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
  • Private Direct Transfer From Copenhagen to Malmo: $121
  • Private Copenhagen Airport Transfer to Copenhagen: $117

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 Copenhagen or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Copenhagen 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
    Copenhagen $62
    Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $92
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

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
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.66
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

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

  • 3 Hours Tour To Wonderful Copenhagen Highlights: $262
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Copenhagen: $62
  • Light Version Adventures in Forgotten Giants : $144
  • 1 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $58
  • 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $77
  • 2 Hours Guided Kayak Tour in Copenhagen Harbor: $58
  • 2-Hour Private Copenhagen Segway Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour Private Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour: $117
  • 3-Hour Private City Walking Tour with a Canal Tour ticket: $175
  • 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $97
  • 90-minute Private City Highlights Walking Tour in Copenhagen: $250
  • A slow pace tour of Kronbog Castle and Frederiksborg Palace: $134

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
    Copenhagen $13
    Ottawa $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Pub Crawl Copenhagen: $44
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $361

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 Copenhagen and Ottawa, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen is in Europe and Ottawa is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Ottawa?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Copenhagen is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)