Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Monterey?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Monterey or Toronto?
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 Toronto. 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 Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMonterey $170Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Monterey is $170, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $203. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMonterey $90Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMonterey $180Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Monterey and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Monterey or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Monterey $32Toronto $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Private Vehicle from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $145
- Transfer Private Minivan from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $159
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $111
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $158
- Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $175
- Niagara Falls Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Transfer: $75
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- Toronto Private Pearson Airport Transfers to Niagara Falls: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Monterey or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $56Toronto $65
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
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Monterey $27Toronto $31
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $186
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMonterey $21Toronto $22
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 Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Craft Brewery Tour: $75
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Monterey and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto than you might in Monterey.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Monterey Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Monterey or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey and Toronto, 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 Toronto?
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 Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Monterey is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Monterey in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Toronto. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMonterey 63°F (17°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.
In October, Monterey is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 62°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMonterey 62°F (17°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Toronto. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. Monterey is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In January, Monterey usually receives more rain than Toronto. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMonterey 51°F (11°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Monterey or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.
In the spring, Monterey is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Monterey in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMonterey 56°F (13°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Monterey
| Monterey | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | -1°C (30°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.