Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Monterey?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Monterey or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?
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.
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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography 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 dayMonterey $170Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Monterey is $170, 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 Monterey and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMonterey $90Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMonterey $180Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Monterey and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Monterey 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: Monterey Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Monterey $32Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Monterey or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $56Ottawa $17
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 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.Monterey $27Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $125
- California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $114
- Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
- Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $70
- Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $120
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour along the 17 Mile Drive: $115
- 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
- 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
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 dayMonterey $21Ottawa $18
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 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 Monterey and Ottawa, we can see that Monterey 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 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Monterey Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Monterey or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
Monterey is cooler than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 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 JulyMonterey 63°F (17°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Monterey is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Monterey in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMonterey 62°F (17°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Monterey is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In January, Monterey usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMonterey 51°F (11°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.
Monterey is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 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 AprilMonterey 56°F (13°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Monterey
| Monterey | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.