Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Pocono Mountains?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Ottawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pocono Mountains or Ottawa?
Pocono Mountains
The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPocono Mountains $174Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Pocono Mountains is $174, 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 Pocono Mountains and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPocono Mountains $89Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPocono Mountains $178Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Pocono Mountains and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains 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: Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pocono Mountains $49Ottawa $7.21
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: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Pocono Mountains or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Pocono Mountains 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPocono Mountains $53Ottawa $17
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pocono Mountains $30Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
- Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
- Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- 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
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPocono Mountains $13Ottawa $18
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 Pocono Mountains and Ottawa, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Pocono Mountains during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Pocono Mountains is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pocono Mountains in July average around 75°F (24°C), 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 Pocono Mountains. In the summer, Pocono Mountains often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Pocono Mountains gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Pocono Mountains is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 55°F (13°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Pocono Mountains usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Pocono Mountains gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pocono Mountains usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Pocono Mountains can be very cold during winter. Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Pocono Mountains often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Pocono Mountains gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pocono Mountains in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Pocono Mountains gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Pocono Mountains
| Pocono Mountains | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 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.