Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Edinburgh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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: Edinburgh or Ottawa?
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
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 Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 dayEdinburgh £142Ottawa £98
The average daily cost (per person) in Edinburgh is £142, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is £98. 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 Edinburgh and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEdinburgh £74Ottawa £15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEdinburgh £148Ottawa £30
Compare Hotels in Edinburgh and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Edinburgh 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: Edinburgh Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Edinburgh £17Ottawa £5.81
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
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Local Bus£3.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Royal Highland Braemar Gathering, transfer from Edinburgh: $56
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Hotels: $50
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Glasgow city or GLA Airport to Edinburgh by Business Car: $157
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh to Gleneagles Hotel : $280
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to South Queensferry Port: $28
- Private Transfer - South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Airport(GLA): $46
- Private Tour with transfer from Newhaven Cruise Port to Glasgow.: $298
- Private One-Way Transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $41
- Private Luxury Transfer Edinburgh (One Way - 7 Passengers): $257
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 Edinburgh or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Edinburgh 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 dayEdinburgh £39Ottawa £14
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast£8.50
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Dinner at Filling Station£10
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Lunch for Two£15
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Sandwich£1.85
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Cheese & bread£7.23
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Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)£25
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2 Coffees and Scones£5.80
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Turkish Delight£1.40
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Soup at the Pub£5.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $88
- Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Food Tour: $100
- 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $121
- The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $162
- Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $188
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Edinburgh £20Ottawa £32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Show Tickets£32
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Movie Tickets for Two£12
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Donation for Storytellers£6.00
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Edinburgh's Landscapes Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized: $153
- 1-Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh: $79
- 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise: $23
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh: $261
- 2-Day Loch Lomond, West Highlands, Glencoe & Oban Tour: $183
- 3 Hours Edinburgh City Highlights Private Walking Tour: $273
- 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh: $234
- 3-Hour Private Edinburgh Castle Tour: $275
- Afternoon Old Town and Underground Ghost Tour 1:15, 3:15, 5:15: $19
- Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh: $72
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Scottish Borders 1-Day Tour: $74
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Tour with Admission: $103
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 dayEdinburgh £15Ottawa £15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
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Beer & Wine£14
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Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern£1.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
- East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
- Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
- Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
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 Edinburgh and Ottawa, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Edinburgh is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEdinburgh 14°C (58°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Edinburgh or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Edinburgh during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Edinburgh is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEdinburgh 10°C (49°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Edinburgh or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Edinburgh is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEdinburgh 3°C (38°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Edinburgh or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Edinburgh is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEdinburgh 7°C (45°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Edinburgh
| Edinburgh | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | -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.