Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Osaka or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Osaka or Ottawa?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 dayOsaka $88Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, 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 Osaka and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Ottawa $7.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass & Shared 1-way Transfer: $100
- Transfer from Osaka to Universal Studios: $163
- Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $68
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $26
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $110
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Wakayama.: $424
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Nara: $215
- Private arrival transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe City & Arima Onsen: $95
- Private arrival Transfer from Osaka Itami Airport(ITM) to central Osaka city: $122
- Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Osaka city hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport(KIX): $79
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
- Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $52
- 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 Osaka or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $25Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $43
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $46
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $65
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $66
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $67
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.Osaka $20Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kyoto and Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto.: $103
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $122
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $139
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $118
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $140
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,634
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $33
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $118
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,453
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $73
- 6 Hours Private Foodie Tour from Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market: $147
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 dayOsaka $12Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
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 Osaka and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka 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 Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Ottawa?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Osaka is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 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 JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Osaka is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. In January, Osaka is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Ottawa. The activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Osaka is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 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 AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Osaka
| Osaka | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.