Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Monterey?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Monterey or Niagara Falls?
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 Monterey and Niagara Falls. 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: Monterey or Niagara Falls?
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography 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 dayMonterey $170Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Monterey is $170, 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 Monterey and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMonterey $90Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMonterey $180Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Monterey and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Monterey 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: Monterey Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Monterey $32Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $107
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $107
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- 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-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF): $111
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Monterey or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Monterey 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 dayMonterey $56Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Monterey
For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150
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.Monterey $27Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- San Fran Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App: $7.30
- Self-Guided John Steinbeck Walking Tour with Audio: $7.99
- Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour: $60
- Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $65
- Cannery Row Kayak Tour: $65
- Whale Watching Cruise: $70
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 dayMonterey $21Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150
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 Monterey and Niagara Falls, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Monterey or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Niagara Falls. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
In July, Monterey is generally cooler than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 63°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Monterey usually gets less rain in July than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 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 JulyMonterey 63°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
Both Niagara Falls and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.
Monterey is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In October, Monterey usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 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 OctoberMonterey 62°F (17°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
Both Niagara Falls and Monterey during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Monterey is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Monterey in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).
Monterey usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 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 JanuaryMonterey 51°F (11°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.
In April, Monterey is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 56°F (13°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In April, Monterey usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 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 AprilMonterey 56°F (13°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Monterey
| Monterey | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.