Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Destin or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Ottawa?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, 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 dayDestin $192Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, 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 Destin and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Destin and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Destin 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: Destin Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
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 Destin or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Destin 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 dayDestin $51Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128
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.Destin $17Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
- 3 Hour Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise from Destin : $70
- Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
- Clear Kayak Ecotour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna: $75
- Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure : $227
- Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Destin Private Guided Sunset Cruise up to 6 Passengers: $230
- Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching: $59
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Ottawa $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 Destin and Ottawa, we can see that Destin 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin 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 Destin Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Destin or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Destin is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Destin or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Ottawa. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Destin or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Destin
| Destin | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.