Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Ketchikan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ketchikan or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ketchikan and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ketchikan or Ottawa?
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, 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 dayKetchikan $220Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Ketchikan is $220, 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 Ketchikan and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKetchikan $136Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKetchikan $272Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Ketchikan and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Ketchikan 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: Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ketchikan $39Ottawa $7.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Ketchikan or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Ketchikan 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 dayKetchikan $53Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
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.Ketchikan $46Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS”AK Wildlife & Totem poles Tour.: $95
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- AdVenture with the Venturer: $199
- Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $280
- Alaska Bigfoot Adventures: $149
- Alaska Marine Fast Boat Adventure : $194
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaskan Cultural, Culinary and Lumberjack Show Experience: $149
- Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast: $196
- Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan: $229
- Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: $219
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 dayKetchikan $23Ottawa $18
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 Ketchikan and Ottawa, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Ketchikan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Ketchikan is generally cooler than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 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 JulyKetchikan 58°F (15°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Ketchikan is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKetchikan 46°F (8°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Ottawa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Ketchikan is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKetchikan 34°F (1°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Ketchikan is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 44°F (6°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In April, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 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 AprilKetchikan 44°F (6°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Ketchikan
| Ketchikan | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.