Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Houston or Toronto?
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 Toronto. 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 Toronto?
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.
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 from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHouston $262Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, 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 Houston and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHouston $142Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHouston $284Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Houston and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Houston 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: Houston Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Houston $72Toronto $32
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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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: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $157
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by SUV or Minibus: $76
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury SUV: $174
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $152
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $152
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $133
- Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
- One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $35Toronto $65
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
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Houston $14Toronto $31
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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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:
- Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
- Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.28
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
- Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.02
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHouston $13Toronto $22
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 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 Houston and Toronto, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Toronto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toronto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toronto 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 Toronto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Houston Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Houston or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston or Toronto?
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 Toronto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHouston 84°F (29°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Houston or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Houston is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Toronto. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHouston 71°F (22°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Houston or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).
Houston usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHouston 52°F (11°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Houston or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Toronto. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.
In April, Houston is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Toronto. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHouston 70°F (21°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Houston
| Houston | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.