Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Philadelphia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Philadelphia or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Toronto, 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 Toronto?
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.
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 The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhiladelphia $188Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $188, 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 Philadelphia and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhiladelphia $119Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhiladelphia $238Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Philadelphia and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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: Philadelphia Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Philadelphia $28Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport PHL in Luxury SUV: $105
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
- Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Philadelphia to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer : $169
- Philadelphia to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer : $163
- Philadelphia to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport(JFK) - Departure Private Transfer : $173
- Philadelphia to New York Airport (LGA) Departure Transfer : $179
- 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
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:
- 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 Vehicle from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $145
- Transfer Private Minivan from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara Falls (Ontario): $159
- Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $111
- Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $158
- Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $175
- Niagara Falls Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Transfer: $75
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- Toronto Private Pearson Airport Transfers to Niagara Falls: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Philadelphia or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $49Toronto $65
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:
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Flavors of Philly 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
- Locals' Favorites 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
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
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- 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: $151
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Philadelphia $28Toronto $31
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:
- 1 Hour Philadelphia Private Guided Tour by Deluxe Electric Car: $150
- 2 Hours Ben Franklin Yacht Brunch Cruise with Buffet: $65
- 3-Hour Private Favorite & Secret Bars Walking Tour Philadelphia: $35
- A Golden Girls Murder Mystery Ticket: $45
- A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia: $554
- A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia: $283
- 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
- Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Walking Tour: $59
- Black Be Beautiful Mural Tour in Philadelphia: $44
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 Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $186
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- 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: $6.21
- Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $148
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhiladelphia $21Toronto $22
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 Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway 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
- Craft Brewery Tour: $75
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133
When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
In July, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhiladelphia 77°F (25°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Philadelphia is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhiladelphia 56°F (14°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Toronto. Many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Toronto can be very cold during winter. Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).
Philadelphia usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhiladelphia 30°F (-1°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Philadelphia or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°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 Toronto. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhiladelphia 52°F (11°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -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.