Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kingston or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kingston or Ottawa?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesOttawa Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $125Ottawa $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $125, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $132. 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 Kingston and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $63Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $126Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $29Ottawa $7.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- VIP Private Airport Transfer: Norman Manley to Montego Bay Hotels: $123
- Transfer from Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston Hotels: $150
- Transfer for Kingston Airport to or from Hotels in Falmouth Area: $173
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $25
- Private Transfer to and from Kingston International Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Cruise Port to Kingston Hotels: $263
- Private Transfer from Kingston hotel to Falmouth Cruise Port: $197
- Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Montego Bay Port: $263
- Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Hilton Rose Hall: $187
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast: $240
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer: $51
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $223
- Ottawa Train Station via Rail Transfer Service 1 Hour: $95
- Hand-Feed Wild Birds on a Nature Walk with Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Kingston 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 dayKingston $45Ottawa $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kids Cooking Class in Real Experience at Cookiddoo: $56
- ByWard Market Chocolate Food Tour with Tastings: $66
- Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy: $77
- ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings: $84
- Lower Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- Evening Byward Market Food Tour: $90
- Local Market Food Tour - Downtown Ottawa: $92
- Evening Ottawa ByWard Market Food Tour: $95
- Ottawa - Byward Market Food Tour: $95
- Ottawa - Taste of Canada Food Tour: $96
- A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $97
- Ottawa Food Tour with ByWard Market Flavors & 6 Local Tastings: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Ottawa $39
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Outback Adventure from Kingston: $288
- Art Walk, Bob Marley Museum Kingston City Tour: $130
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios: $62
- Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
- Black River Safari Tour from Kingston: $272
- Blue Mountain Coffee Tasting & Farm Tour from Kingston: $150
- Bluehole, Dunn's River Falls and Port Royal all in one tour: $690
- Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
- Bob Marley House and Dunns River Falls Private Tour: $150
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
- Bob Marley Museum and Kingston Sightseeing from Port Royal Cruise Port: $205
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.57
- City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
- Ottawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $5.00
- Ottawa Walking Tour 2h20 and 25 audio commentary: $6.93
- Ottawa Street Art Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.39
- Ottawa Downtown Historic Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- Ottawa The Wild Side GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $15
- Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel: $18
- Skate & Play Roller Rink Entry Ticket: $18
- ByWard Market Tour Timber Taverns and Tall Tales: $19
- Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $20
- Chelsea: Guided Tour of the Distillerie du Square: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Worthy Park Estate Rum Distillery Tour with Tasting: $144
When comparing the travel costs between Kingston and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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. Even though Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Ottawa is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Ottawa?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Kingston 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 Kingston or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kingston or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Ottawa. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Kingston is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the summer, Kingston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Kingston during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. In January, Kingston is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the winter, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in January than Ottawa. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
Kingston is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Kingston
| Kingston | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -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.