Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Santa Barbara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santa Barbara or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santa Barbara 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: Santa Barbara or Toronto?
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySanta Barbara $162Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $162, 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 Santa Barbara and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Barbara $88Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Barbara $176Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara 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: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Barbara $42Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $93
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:
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.03
- One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
- Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $41
- Private Departure Transfer-Toronto to Pearson Airport(YYZ) or YTZ: $41
- Private Transfer Toronto Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotels: $42
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer - YYZ Airport to Toronto Downton Hotel & Accommodations: $73
- Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Oakville City Ontario: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Santa Barbara or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Santa Barbara 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 daySanta Barbara $46Toronto $65
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.Santa Barbara $27Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- 5 STARS: "Where The Locals Go!" Nature-History Tour: $95
- Authentic Funk Zone Tour: $125
- City & Sand Electric Bike Tour: $105
- Coastline Kayak Tour near Santa Barbara with Knowledgeable Guide: $122
- Downtown SB Walking Food & Drink Tour: $175
- Electric Bike Adventure in Santa Barbara Wine Country: $83
- Epic Zipline Tour Over The Santa Ynez Valley: $139
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor: $55
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: $55
- Montecito Coastline Electric Bike Guided Tour: $125
- Private Helicopter Tour in Santa Barbara: $149
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 daySanta Barbara $12Toronto $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk with Ghost Storytelling: $105
- Solvang Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $185
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $194
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley: $199
- Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley (All-Inclusive & Full-Day): $215
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $219
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
- Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Wine Tour (We Drive Your Vehicle): $300
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Barbara and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto than you might in Santa Barbara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Barbara Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Santa Barbara during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Santa Barbara is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Barbara in July average around 65°F (19°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in July than Toronto. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 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 JulySanta Barbara 65°F (19°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Toronto. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Santa Barbara is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 62°F (17°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Toronto. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 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 OctoberSanta Barbara 62°F (17°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. Santa Barbara is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Santa Barbara usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Santa Barbara 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 JanuarySanta Barbara 52°F (11°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In the spring, Santa Barbara is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Barbara in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In April, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Toronto. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 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 AprilSanta Barbara 57°F (14°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Santa Barbara
| Santa Barbara | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.