Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Glasgow or Ottawa?
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 dayGlasgow £144Ottawa £98
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, 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 Glasgow and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Ottawa £15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Ottawa £30
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Ottawa £5.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $208
- Private Transfer from Glasgow City Hotels to Greenock Cruise Port: $85
- Private One Way Transfer Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh City Centre: $222
- Private Airport Transfer from and to Glasgow : $120
- Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $173
- Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $13
- Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
- Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
- Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $784
- Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $242
- Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
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 Glasgow or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Ottawa £14
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
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.Glasgow £22Ottawa £32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $68
- 2 Hour Football Walking Tour in Glasgow : $25
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $261
- 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $273
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $285
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $516
- Discover Glasgow's Imperial Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,129
- From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,035
- From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $263
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 dayGlasgow £15Ottawa £15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Secrets & Summer Serves at Glengoyne Distillery: $25
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $44
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $75
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $125
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $187
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $188
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $459
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 Glasgow and Ottawa, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Glasgow is cooler than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JulyGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In January, Glasgow is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
Glasgow is a little warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 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 AprilGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.