A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers New York City vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See New York City travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

New York City and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Toronto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is New York City different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Toronto?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either New York City or Toronto.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Theater?

New York City is terrific for theatre. However, Toronto is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Toronto is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Both New York City and Toronto have fantastic vibes after the sun sets.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Toronto?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both New York City and Toronto.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is New York City or Toronto More Beautiful?

New York City is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Families?

Both New York City and Toronto are very good family-friendly destinations.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Couples?

New York City is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City and Toronto are both very good destinations for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Students?

Both New York City and Toronto are fantastic destinations for students.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Is New York City or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both New York City and Toronto.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Is New York City or Toronto a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or New York City?

How long in New York City or Toronto?

Both New York City and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in New York City than Toronto. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Toronto if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New York City.

One day in New York City or Toronto?

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Toronto. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Toronto?

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in New York City or Toronto?

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural big city of Toronto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in New York City or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Toronto. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Toronto, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Toronto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toronto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toronto 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Toronto.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Toronto?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Toronto. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

New York City is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite rainy in New York City. In July, New York City usually receives more rain than Toronto. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New York City or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and New York City during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the autumn, New York City is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

New York City usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Toronto. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. In January, New York City is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In January, New York City usually receives more rain than Toronto. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New York City or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New York City as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

New York City is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

New York City usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and New York City