Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Santa Monica?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santa Monica or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santa Monica 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 Monica or Toronto?
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
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 New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, 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 Monica $210Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Monica is $210, 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 Monica and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Monica $123Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Monica $246Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Santa Monica and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Santa Monica 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 Monica Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Monica $50Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80
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 Monica or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Santa Monica 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 Monica $52Toronto $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
- Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
- Marina del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $222
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 Monica $38Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Santa Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- 15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey: $129
- 2 Hour Sailing Adventure From Marina Del Rey: $160
- 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
- 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
- 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour: $80
- All Day Tour 6.5 Hour : $111
- Bring-Your-Own-Food and Drinks Marina del Rey Boat Tour: $80
- City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
- Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour: $90
- Dolphins Whales and Sea Lion Wildlife Sightseeing Boat Tour: $90
- Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Karaoke Boat Cruise ( Drinks included) LA's best attraction: $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 Monica $21Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195
- Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199
- Charcuterie Board and Wine Tasting in Marina Bay: $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 comparing the travel costs between Santa Monica and Toronto, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica 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 Monica 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 Monica or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Santa Monica during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Santa Monica is generally around the same temperature as Toronto. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 70°F (21°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Santa Monica usually gets less rain in July than Toronto. Santa Monica gets 0 inches (0 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 Monica 70°F (21°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Santa Monica or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Monica and Toronto. Most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.
Santa Monica is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Monica averages around 67°F (20°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Toronto. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (6 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 Monica 67°F (20°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Santa Monica or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Santa Monica as well as Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. In the winter, Santa Monica is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Monica in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).
Santa Monica usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Santa Monica gets 0.7 inches (17 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 Monica 57°F (14°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Santa Monica or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Santa Monica are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.
In April, Santa Monica is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Santa Monica average around 61°F (16°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In April, Santa Monica usually receives less rain than Toronto. Santa Monica gets 0.2 inches (4 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 Monica 61°F (16°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Santa Monica
| Santa Monica | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 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.