Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Houston or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Ottawa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Houston or Ottawa?
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
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 Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, 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 dayHouston $262Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, 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 Houston and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHouston $142Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHouston $284Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Houston and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Houston 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: Houston Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Houston $72Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $540
- William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Houston APT-HTL (IAH): $151
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
- SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Houston 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 dayHouston $35Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
- The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
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.Houston $14Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- The Art of Fufu Cookbook Experience: West African Soup & Fufu : $100
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $31
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $85
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $85
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
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 dayHouston $13Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115
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 Houston and Ottawa, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Houston or Ottawa?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as Ottawa. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 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 JulyHouston 84°F (29°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Houston or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Houston 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 OctoberHouston 71°F (22°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Houston or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Houston is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Houston usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHouston 52°F (11°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Houston or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 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 AprilHouston 70°F (21°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Houston
| Houston | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.