Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Ottawa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ottawa or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ottawa or Toronto? 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: Ottawa or Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOttawa $122Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Ottawa is $122, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $203. 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 Ottawa and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOttawa $18Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOttawa $36Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Ottawa and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Ottawa or Toronto? 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: Ottawa Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ottawa $7.21Toronto $32
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: $65
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toronto APT-HTL (YYZ): $113
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Toronto City: $68
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Toronto City to Toronto Pearson Airport: $71
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $178
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
- Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
- Transfer Private Minivan from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $159
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $104
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $157
- Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $174
- Niagara Falls Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Ottawa or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Ottawa 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 dayOttawa $17Toronto $65
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
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $73
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $75
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $79
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $150
- Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise & Dinner (optional): $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ottawa $40Toronto $31
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
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $81
- 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: $6.66
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $185
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise: $36
- Ottawa City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour: $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Private Photoshoot Experience in Toronto: $74
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $185
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $199
- 2hr Shared Sailing Experience in Toronto: $140
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $110
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $138
- Best of Niagara Falls Tour with Optional Boat and Helicopter Ride: $66
- Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $140
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.17
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOttawa $18Toronto $22
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $7.99
- Finest Whisky Exploration Game in Toronto Distillery District: $8.15
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $21
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $36
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ottawa and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Ottawa Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ottawa or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Ottawa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Ottawa is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ottawa in July average around 21°C (71°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. Ottawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Ottawa gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ottawa usually receives more rain than Toronto. Ottawa gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOttawa 21°C (71°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Ottawa or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Ottawa during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Ottawa is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Ottawa average around 9°C (48°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Ottawa often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Ottawa gets 116 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Ottawa usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Ottawa gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOttawa 9°C (48°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ottawa or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ottawa and Toronto.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Ottawa is much colder than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Ottawa averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Ottawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during winter. Ottawa gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ottawa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. Ottawa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOttawa -10°C (14°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Ottawa or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ottawa as well as Toronto.
In the spring, Ottawa is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ottawa in April average around 6°C (44°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Ottawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Ottawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
Ottawa usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toronto. Ottawa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOttawa 6°C (44°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Ottawa
| Ottawa | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 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.