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

Should you visit Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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: Fairfield or Ottawa?

Fairfield

The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Fairfield?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $131, 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 Fairfield and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fairfield $97
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fairfield $194
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Fairfield 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 Fairfield


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: Fairfield Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fairfield -
    Ottawa $7.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Fairfield 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
    Fairfield $30
    Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:


  • El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)
    $17
  • Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)
    $44

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.
    Fairfield $13
    Ottawa $40

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
    Fairfield -
    Ottawa $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:

  • Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133

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 comparing the travel costs between Fairfield and Ottawa, we can see that Fairfield is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairfield Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Fairfield or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Fairfield. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and Ottawa.

In July, Fairfield is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 73°F (23°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Fairfield, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fairfield usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Fairfield gets 439 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Fairfield usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fairfield 73°F (23°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Fairfield or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as Ottawa.

Fairfield is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. In the autumn, Fairfield often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Fairfield gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Fairfield usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fairfield 62°F (17°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Fairfield or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. In the winter, Fairfield is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairfield in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Fairfield usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Fairfield gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fairfield usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fairfield 46°F (8°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Fairfield or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Fairfield during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Fairfield is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 56°F (13°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Fairfield. In the spring, Fairfield often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Fairfield gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Fairfield usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fairfield 56°F (13°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Fairfield

Fairfield Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 51°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)