Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Raleigh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Raleigh or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Raleigh 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: Raleigh or Toronto?
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRaleigh $189Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $189, 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 Raleigh and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRaleigh $104Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRaleigh $208Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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: Raleigh Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Raleigh $37Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
- Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
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:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $157
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by SUV or Minibus: $76
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury SUV: $174
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $152
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $152
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $133
- Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
- One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Raleigh or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Raleigh 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 dayRaleigh $57Toronto $65
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
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The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)$84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
- Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104
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.Raleigh $37Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Create Your Own Lipstick or Lip Gloss Class Experience in Raleigh: $60
- Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $16
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC: $15
- Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $60
- Raleigh African American History Tour: $16
- Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: $16
- Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour: $16
- Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $33
- Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $16
- Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
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:
- Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
- Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.28
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
- Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.02
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRaleigh $27Toronto $22
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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Toronto?
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 Raleigh or Toronto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Raleigh is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Raleigh in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In the summer, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.
Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRaleigh 79°F (26°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions during these months.
In October, Raleigh is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Toronto. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRaleigh 61°F (16°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Raleigh during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the museums and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Raleigh can be very cold. Raleigh is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.
Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRaleigh 40°F (5°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Toronto. The activities around the city are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year.
In the spring, Raleigh is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Toronto. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRaleigh 60°F (16°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Raleigh
| Raleigh | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.