Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Hilo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hilo or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hilo or Toronto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hilo or Toronto?
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHilo $171Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Hilo is $171, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $203. 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 Hilo and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHilo $71Toronto $86
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHilo $142Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Hilo and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Hilo or Toronto? 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: Hilo Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hilo $25Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $58
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
-
Airport Shuttle$26
-
Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
- Round-Trip Transfer Between Billy Bishop Toronto (YTZ) Airport and Niagara Falls: $267
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara: $238
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto: $223
- Private Arrival Transfer. Pearson Airport to Kitchener/Waterloo : $215
- Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Pearson Airport : $208
- Private Transfer:Toronto Airport or Collingwood - Blue Mountain Resort One way: $202
- Private Transfer: Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ) to Niagara Falls, ON: $197
- Toronto Pearson Airport arrival transfer (Airport to any Hotel or Address): $197
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Toronto Airport Private Transfer to Downtown : $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Hilo or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Hilo 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 dayHilo $70Toronto $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
-
Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hilo $32Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Early Morning Whale Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- 4 Hour Captain Cook Bay Cruise: $99
- 4-hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $94
- 6 passengers' max, Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: $140
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $240
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: $129
- Afternoon Marine Adventure: $109
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
-
CN Tower at night for Two$36
-
Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
-
Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $186
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $148
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHilo $10Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Craft Brewery Tour: $75
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilo and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto than you might in Hilo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilo Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hilo or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Toronto, 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 Hilo or Toronto?
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 Hilo or Toronto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Toronto. Many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hilo is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilo in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Toronto. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHilo 76°F (24°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Hilo is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Hilo gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHilo 76°F (24°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. Hilo is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Toronto. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHilo 72°F (22°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Hilo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the spring, Hilo is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilo in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHilo 73°F (23°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Hilo
| Hilo | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 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.