Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Marathon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Marathon or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Niagara Falls, 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: Marathon or Niagara Falls?
Marathon
You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarathon $158Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Marathon is $158, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls 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 Marathon and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarathon $76Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarathon $152Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Marathon and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Marathon or Niagara Falls? 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: Marathon Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marathon $47Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $263
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
- Private Half Day Niagara Wine Tour Visit with Transfer Included: $200
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown: $197
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $194
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Marathon or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Marathon 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 dayMarathon $51Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marathon $27Niagara Falls $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $298
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
- 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
- All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
- All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
- All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarathon $24Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Niagara Falls, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon than you might in Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marathon Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marathon or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Niagara Falls, 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 Marathon or Niagara Falls?
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 Marathon or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Marathon is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.
Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMarathon 84°F (29°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Marathon or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Marathon is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMarathon 80°F (27°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Marathon or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Niagara Falls. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. Marathon is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.
Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Niagara Falls. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMarathon 70°F (21°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Marathon or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.
In the spring, Marathon is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMarathon 77°F (25°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Marathon
| Marathon | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 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.