Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Memphis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Memphis or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis 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: Memphis or Ottawa?
Memphis
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.
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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours 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 dayMemphis $167Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, 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 Memphis and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMemphis $84Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMemphis $168Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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: Memphis Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Memphis $59Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis
Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
- Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
- Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
- Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Memphis 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 dayMemphis $43Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Memphis
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:
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Baskin Robins (for 2)$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis
For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75
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.Memphis $45Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Memphis
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.
- 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
- Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
- Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
- Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
- Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $430
- Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
- Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
- From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
- Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85
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 dayMemphis $26Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:
- Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
- Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
- Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
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 Memphis and Ottawa, we can see that Memphis 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 Memphis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Memphis 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 Memphis Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Memphis or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Memphis. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Memphis is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Memphis usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 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 JulyMemphis 83°F (29°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Memphis or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Memphis is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In the autumn, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Memphis gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMemphis 64°F (18°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Memphis or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMemphis 40°F (5°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Memphis or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.
Memphis is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the spring, Memphis often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 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 AprilMemphis 64°F (18°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Memphis
| Memphis | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 72°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (29°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (105 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.