Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Nagano?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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: Nagano or Ottawa?
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, 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 dayNagano $90Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagano is $90, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Nagano and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagano $61Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagano $122Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Nagano and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Nagano 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: Nagano Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagano $9.80Ottawa $7.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $66
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $52
- 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 Nagano or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Nagano 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 dayNagano $22Ottawa $17
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.Nagano $8.17Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
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: $6.69
- 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 : $151
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNagano -Ottawa $18
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 Nagano and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia 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 Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa than you might in Nagano.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagano Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nagano or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nagano is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nagano in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 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 JulyNagano 25°C (77°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Nagano or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Nagano is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 16°C (60°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNagano 16°C (60°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Nagano or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Nagano can be very cold during winter. Nagano is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNagano 2°C (36°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Nagano or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Nagano is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nagano in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Nagano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 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 AprilNagano 11°C (52°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Nagano
| Nagano | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.