Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Rotterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rotterdam or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Ottawa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Ottawa?
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, 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 dayRotterdam €152Ottawa €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is €114. 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 Rotterdam and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam €77Ottawa €17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam €154Ottawa €34
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam €26Ottawa €6.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $161
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $161
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Rotterdam 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 dayRotterdam €54Ottawa €16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274
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
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rotterdam €32Ottawa €37
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $27
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $209
- Best of small-group walking tour: $97
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
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 dayRotterdam €19Ottawa €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
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 Rotterdam and Ottawa, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam is in Europe and Ottawa is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Ottawa. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
Rotterdam is cooler than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyRotterdam 17°C (62°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Rotterdam is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRotterdam 11°C (51°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRotterdam 2°C (36°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.
Rotterdam is a little warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRotterdam 8°C (46°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Rotterdam
| Rotterdam | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | -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.