A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newport vs. Ottawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Newport or Ottawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Newport or Ottawa?

Newport

Established in colonial times as one of the most important ports of Rhode Island, Newport has since transformed into a historic seaside city and resort town for many summer visitors. It has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation in the downtown Newport Historic District, and is perhaps most known for the famous Newport Mansions. The area is also home to Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center. With its rich history, culture, and prime location overlooking the ocean, Newport has been host to many seaside events like the America's Cup sailing regatta as well as the Newport Folk Festival.

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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Newport?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Newport is $159, 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 Newport and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newport $92
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newport $184
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Newport and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Newport 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.

Hotels in Newport


Hotels in Ottawa


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: Newport Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newport $36
    Ottawa $7.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

Also for Newport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88

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 Newport or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Newport 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Newport $45
    Ottawa $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

For Newport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newport $17
    Ottawa $40

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $27
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour: $30
  • Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $45
  • Historic Highlights with the Gilded Age Private Van Tour: $225
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $42
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport: $45
  • Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat: $45
  • Newport Beach Private Tour & Whale Watching Cruise: $395
  • Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle: $14

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newport $14
    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 Newport and Ottawa, we can see that Newport 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 Newport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newport 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 Newport Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newport or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Newport 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 Newport 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 Newport or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Newport is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. Newport usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Newport gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newport usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newport 73°F (23°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Newport or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Newport during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Newport is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Newport. In the autumn, Newport often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Newport gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newport 53°F (12°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Newport or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Ottawa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. In January, Newport is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Newport usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Newport gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Newport usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newport 28°F (-2°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Newport or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newport as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Newport is a little warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In the spring, Newport often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Newport gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Newport usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newport 48°F (9°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Newport

Newport Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)