Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Philadelphia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Philadelphia or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia or Ottawa?
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, 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 dayPhiladelphia $188Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $188, 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 Philadelphia and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhiladelphia $119Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhiladelphia $238Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Philadelphia $28Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
- Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $353
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
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 Philadelphia or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Philadelphia 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 dayPhiladelphia $49Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $52
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour: $59
- Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
- Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $69
- Secret Food Tour: $84
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Philadelphia $28Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Ben Franklin Yacht Brunch Cruise with Buffet: $65
- A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia: $554
- Amazing Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
- BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia: $49
- Best of Philadelphia Small Group Walking Tour: $104
- City Sightseeing Walking Tour – Founding Fathers and Mothers: $32
- Classic Philadelphia City Bike Tour: $75
- Cocktail Caravan: Philly Walking Bar Tour: $35
- Dark Philly Adult Night Tour: $38
- Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Private Walking Tour: $250
- Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia (1, 2, or 3-Day): $36
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhiladelphia $21Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
- Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
- Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120
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 Philadelphia and Ottawa, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Ottawa?
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Philadelphia is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhiladelphia 77°F (25°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhiladelphia 56°F (14°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. Philadelphia is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhiladelphia 30°F (-1°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Ottawa. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
In the spring, Philadelphia is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ottawa. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhiladelphia 52°F (11°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -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.