A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kauai vs. Toronto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kauai 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 Kauai 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: Kauai or Toronto?

Kauai

Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.

Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.

With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.

You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Kauai?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kauai is $190, 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 Kauai and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kauai $113
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kauai $226
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Kauai and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Kauai 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.

Hotels in Kauai


Hotels in Toronto


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: Kauai Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kauai $34
    Toronto $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai

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

  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kauai Hotels to Kauai International Airport: $13
  • Private SUV Transfer - Lihue Airport to South Shore Kauai Resorts Koloa Poipu: $179
  • Private SUV Transfer - Kauai Cruise Ship terminal : $199
  • Private Departure Transfer to Kauai Airport (LIH): $80
  • Lihue Airport: Shared Transfer to Lihue: $19

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 Kauai or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Kauai 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
    Kauai $56
    Toronto $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai

For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
  • Ahi Uila Fire Show and Dinner: $110
  • Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
  • Explore Waimea Town on a Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $171
  • Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $209
  • Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner: $226
  • Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
  • Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House Dinner & Show: $226
  • VIP 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
  • Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $242

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.
    Kauai $17
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Kauai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.

  • 'IMILOA - Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $161
  • 'IMILOA - Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $181
  • 'IMILOA - Express Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: $136
  • 1 Tank Discover Scuba at Koloa Landing with No Experience needed: $162
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure in Kauai: $115
  • 5 Hrs. Kauai Eastside Small Group Tour. Short & sweet: $162
  • 5 Line Zipline Tour: $130
  • 8 Line Zipline Tour: $160
  • Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai – Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto: $99
  • Cruise Ship Shore Excursion: Kauai Movie Sites Tour: $173
  • Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $223
  • Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $212

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 day
    Kauai $14
    Toronto $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 comparing the travel costs between Kauai and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Kauai Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Kauai 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 Kauai or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kauai and Toronto. Most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kauai is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kauai in July average around 78°F (25°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. In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kauai usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Kauai gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kauai usually receives less rain than Toronto. Kauai gets 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kauai 78°F (25°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Kauai or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kauai as well as Toronto. The autumn months attract visitors to Kauai because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kauai is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Kauai average around 78°F (25°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In the autumn, Kauai often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Kauai gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Kauai usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Kauai gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kauai 78°F (25°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kauai or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Kauai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. Kauai is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Kauai averages around 71°F (22°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Kauai usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Kauai gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kauai usually receives more rain than Toronto. Kauai gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kauai 71°F (22°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Kauai or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Kauai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kauai is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kauai in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Kauai. In the spring, Kauai often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Kauai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Kauai usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Kauai gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kauai 73°F (23°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Kauai

Kauai Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 71°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 71°F (22°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 73°F (23°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (17 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 1 inches (26 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (62 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)