Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Los Angeles?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles or Ottawa?
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 dayLos Angeles $258Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Los Angeles is $258, 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 Los Angeles and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLos Angeles $140Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLos Angeles $280Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Los Angeles and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Los Angeles $42Ottawa $7.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
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Hotel Parking for a Day$22
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Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach Airport(LGB)-Departure Transfer: $66
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles APT-HTL (LAX): $141
- San Diego Private Transfer To or From Universal Studios/Burbank.: $248
- Roundtrip transfer in private car Los Angeles Airport (LAX)-Los Angeles Downtown: $100
- RoundTrip private transfer from Los Angeles airportLAX to Anaheim: $133
- Private transfer from Los Angeles airport LAX to Anheim: $67
- Private Transfers between LAX Airport and Los Angeles: $514
- Private Transfers between LAX Airport and LA City Center: $96
- Private Transfer: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to LA City Center: $26
- Private Transfer: Los Angeles (LAX) to/from Anaheim Resort Area: $123
- Private Transfer: LAX Airport and Universal Studio Hollywood: $123
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 to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Los Angeles or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Los Angeles 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 dayLos Angeles $60Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
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Burritos for Two$15
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Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
- Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
- LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
- Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
- Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132
- Marina Del Rey: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $136
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.Los Angeles $82Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
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Bowling$13
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Hollywood Tour for Two$30
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Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $289
- 2 Hour Griffith Park Observatory Tour: $20
- 2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes: $175
- 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour: $45
- 2-Hours Guided Black and Brown Hollywood Tour: $77
- 2.5 Hour Fright Sights Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
- 2.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
- 2.5-hour Hollywood Chills Tour - Celebrity Scandals and Cemeteries : $219
- 20 Min Ferrari driving tour in Hollywood: $99
- 20 Min Lamborghini driving tour in Hollywood: $139
- 3 Hours Private Photoshoot and Self-Guided Tour in Los Angeles: $287
- 3-Hour Small Group Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $65
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLos Angeles $15Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
- Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
- Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
- Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299
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 Los Angeles and Ottawa, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Ottawa?
Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or Ottawa?
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 Los Angeles or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.
Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 72°F (22°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
In July, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLos Angeles 72°F (22°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Los Angeles or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Los Angeles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Los Angeles is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Los Angeles in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Los Angeles usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLos Angeles 64°F (18°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Los Angeles or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Los Angeles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Los Angeles is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 55°F (13°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In January, Los Angeles usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLos Angeles 55°F (13°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Los Angeles or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Los Angeles is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
Los Angeles usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLos Angeles 61°F (16°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Los Angeles
| Los Angeles | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 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.