A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Los Angeles vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a energetic, dynamic, and glamourous city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Los Angeles travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Los Angeles and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Los Angeles or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Los Angeles than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Los Angeles, Los Angeles has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Los Angeles is more touristy than Toronto and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Los Angeles different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Los Angeles. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Los Angeles or Toronto?

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Toronto and Los Angeles.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Los Angeles has many famous sights for visitors. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for theatre. However, Toronto is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Los Angeles or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Los Angeles is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Music?

Los Angeles is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

Los Angeles is known as a music capital around the world. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

In Los Angeles, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Los Angeles visitors will find world-class hiking trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Los Angeles or Toronto?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Los Angeles and Toronto.

Many people travel to Los Angeles specifically to go shopping. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Families?

Los Angeles is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Los Angeles is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles and Toronto are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Students?

Both Los Angeles and Toronto are fantastic destinations for students.

Los Angeles is a very popular place to visit for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Los Angeles or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Los Angeles?

How long in Los Angeles or Toronto?

Both Los Angeles and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Los Angeles has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Los Angeles than Toronto. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Los Angeles, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Los Angeles than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Toronto if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Los Angeles.

One day in Los Angeles or Toronto?

Because Los Angeles is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Toronto. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Los Angeles or Toronto?

Because Los Angeles is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant big city of Toronto. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Los Angeles or Toronto?

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Los Angeles has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural city of Toronto. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Los Angeles or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Because Los Angeles is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Toronto. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Los Angeles and Toronto, we can see that Los Angeles 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 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 Toronto.

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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Los Angeles. When comparing the sizes of Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Los Angeles in July average around 72°F (22°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Toronto. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Los Angeles during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In October, Los Angeles is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 64°F (18°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Toronto. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. Los Angeles is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 55°F (13°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In January, Los Angeles usually receives more rain than Toronto. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Los Angeles is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Los Angeles in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Los Angeles