Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Milan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Milan or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milan and Ottawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Milan or Ottawa?
Milan
Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 dayMilan €166Ottawa €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is €114. 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 Milan and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilan €96Ottawa €17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilan €192Ottawa €34
Compare Hotels in Milan and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Milan 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: Milan Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milan €35Ottawa €6.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport€7.00
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)€22
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Taxi From Airport€90
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Public Transit Day Pass€4.50
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Short Taxi Ride€7.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $240
- Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $861
- Zug : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $689
- Vitznau : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $700
- Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $172
- Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $248
- Transfer from Milano or Linate: $137
- Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $258
- Transfer from Milan to Milan Malpensa: $186
- Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
- Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12
- Transfer Milan city center - Bergamo Airport: $12
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 Milan or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Milan 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 dayMilan €39Ottawa €16
Typical Food Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station€8.60
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Restaurant Pizza€6.60
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)€27
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€64
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Cappuccino€1.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $22
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- 2-Hour Cooking Course of Delicious Desserts for Families in Milan: $65
- Mamma Mia - Make Your own Italian Pizza: $69
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
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
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Milan €31Ottawa €37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop€7.00
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $176
- Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
- Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.57
- 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
- 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $126
- 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $157
- 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133
- 2-hours Duomo of Milan guided experience with entrance tickets: $71
- 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $183
- 3 Hours Private Walking Tour in Milan: $5.48
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 dayMilan €24Ottawa €17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar€8.40
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Beer€3.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $53
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $54
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $94
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $160
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $165
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $182
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $185
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 Milan and Ottawa, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan is in Europe and Ottawa is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milan or Ottawa?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Milan 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 Milan 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 Milan or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Milan is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 23°C (73°F) 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 Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Milan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Milan usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMilan 23°C (73°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Milan or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Milan as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Milan is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Milan often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Milan usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMilan 15°C (58°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Milan or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Milan can be very cold during winter. In January, Milan is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Milan usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Milan usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMilan 5°C (41°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Milan or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Milan during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Milan is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Milan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Milan usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMilan 13°C (55°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Milan
| Milan | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.