Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Niagara Falls?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Niagara Falls or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Ottawa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Niagara Falls or Ottawa?
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNiagara Falls $122Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Niagara Falls is $122, 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 Niagara Falls and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNiagara Falls $74Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNiagara Falls $148Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Niagara Falls and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls 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: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Niagara Falls $16Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $108
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $179
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $161
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $179
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $161
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $108
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
- Private-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF): $112
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $97
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 Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Niagara Falls or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Niagara Falls 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 dayNiagara Falls $28Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara, CA: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $145
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $148
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $156
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $169
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $179
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $193
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $193
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $199
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $203
- Niagara Falls Canada: Small Group Night Tour w/Boat & Dinner: $217
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 : $72
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Niagara Falls $20Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $299
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $157
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
- All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
- All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
- All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140
- American and Canadian Niagara Falls Tour from Canada: $161
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.19
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.40
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.40
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.72
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNiagara Falls $11Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $104
- Niagara Falls, CA: Niagara Craft Brewery Tour: $109
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $120
- Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $123
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $142
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
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 comparing the travel costs between Niagara Falls and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Niagara Falls Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Niagara Falls or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls or Ottawa?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Niagara Falls during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Niagara Falls is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Niagara Falls in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. In the summer, Niagara Falls often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Niagara Falls gets 306 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Niagara Falls usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Niagara Falls gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNiagara Falls 23°C (74°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Niagara Falls and Ottawa.
In October, Niagara Falls is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Niagara Falls average around 12°C (54°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Niagara Falls usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Niagara Falls gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Niagara Falls usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Niagara Falls gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNiagara Falls 12°C (54°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Niagara Falls as well as Ottawa.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Niagara Falls averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Niagara Falls often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Niagara Falls gets 89 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Niagara Falls usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ottawa. Niagara Falls gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNiagara Falls -4°C (26°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Niagara Falls are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Niagara Falls is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Niagara Falls in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Niagara Falls gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Niagara Falls usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Niagara Falls gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNiagara Falls 10°C (49°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Niagara Falls
| Niagara Falls | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 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.