A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Santorini or Toronto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Toronto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a stunning, historic, and romantic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Santorini is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santorini travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Santorini and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Santorini or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Santorini. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower.

How is Santorini different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Toronto?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Toronto are world-renowned. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.


Is the Food Better in Santorini or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santorini
Toronto

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Toronto can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Dining out in Toronto is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Toronto is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is a island with good options for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is a island with good options for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Santorini is a good destination for visiting its old town. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.


Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Toronto?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Is Santorini or Toronto More Beautiful?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santorini is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Families?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toronto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Couples?

Santorini
Toronto

Santorini is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Santorini is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.


Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Students?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Santorini is not popular with students.

Is Santorini or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Is Santorini or Toronto a more walkable city?

Santorini
Toronto

Toronto is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Toronto?

Both Santorini and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Toronto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toronto than Santorini. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toronto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santorini that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Santorini if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toronto.


  • How many days in Santorini or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Santorini or Toronto?

Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Toronto?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Toronto?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Santorini or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Santorini Prices
    Greece Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santorini 250
    Toronto 212

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Toronto is €212. 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 Santorini and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 118
    Toronto 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 236
    Toronto 150
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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.

Hotels in Santorini


Hotels in Toronto


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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Toronto 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ~ Private airport Transfer to all destinations ~: $41
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Airport: $35
  • Transfer to Akrotiri: $46
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Port Designed By You: $29
  • TRANSFERS Santorini PRIVATE Transfer: $40
  • Shared transfer to/from the airport/port: $33
  • Shared Transfer: $23
  • Shared Arrival Transfers in Santorini from Airport or Port: $47
  • Shared Arrival Transfer from Airport or Port to Oia Village: $58
  • Private Transfers To / From the Airport (JTR): $26
  • Private Transfers To / From The Port Athinios: $29
  • Private Transfer from Airport/Port: $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    22
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Downtown Montreal: $1,618
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Kingston: $856
  • Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $816
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $700
  • Pearson Airport to Blue Mountain Resort Transfer: $666
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657
  • Guided layover and stopover tour with transfers.: $500
  • Pvt. Transfer St. Catharines Airport to Pearson Int Airport: $476
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Niagara Falls: $442
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Port Hope: $439
  • Airport Transfer Toronto to Niagara region: $289
  • Private Transfer to and from Kitchener Waterloo Region - Toronto Pearson Airport: $288

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Santorini 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 day
    Santorini 96
    Toronto 93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $71
  • Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise with Greek BBQ Dinner: $93
  • Santorini Family Farm Food & Wine Tour with Cooking Class: $99
  • Santorini Cooking Lesson with Chef and a Bottle of Wine: $105
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $128
  • Santorini Flavors, a Cooking Class in a Dreamy Setting: $128
  • Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $128
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $128
  • Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings: $146
  • Miss Anna Santorini Cooking Class: $152
  • Small Group Cooking Lesson & Wine Tasting at Award-Winning Winery: $164
  • Miss Anna Santorini BAKING Cooking Class: $175

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    20
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Authentic Food Tour with Local & International Flavors: $59
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $64
  • Niagara Falls Night Tour, Boat, Journey, Dinner & Tower: $72
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $79
  • The Great Canadian Food Tour - Distillery + St. Lawrence Market: $83
  • Toronto's International Food Tour - Kensington Market: $86
  • Kensington Market International Food Tour: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Toronto 26

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • "Discover Santorini on Wheels with private local tour guide!": $70
  • (3h) Santorini Highlights Private Tour-Oia,Imerovigli & Blue Dome: $79
  • *AVOID CABLECAR*Santorini's PrivateLuxuryTours-6Hours-Local Guide: $233
  • *Santorini Private Luxury Tours* Custom Itinerary & Local Guide: $117
  • *{6 Hours Luxury Shared Island Tour in Santorini}*: $105
  • 10 Years Santorini ATV/Quad Experience Tour- FREE Transportation: $152
  • 2-Day Santorini Bus Tour with Volcanic Cruise: $117
  • 2-hour Private Wooden E-Bike Tour in Emporio Castle, Santorini: $82
  • 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $146
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $204
  • 5 Hour Semi Private Catamaran Tour in Santorini with Lunch: $157
  • 5-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $226

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    13
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    30
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    22
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    6.16

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $29
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $300
  • 20 km Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $150
  • 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $277
  • 3hr Discover Sailing Adventure: $195
  • 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
  • Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
  • Adventures in Abstract Paint Pouring: $29
  • Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $151
  • Algonquin Provincial Park Day Tour from Toronto: $156
  • An Epic Audio Tour: Maple Delights in Toronto Adventure: $15
  • Best of Toronto City Tour with Boat Cruise & CN Tower Entry: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 25
    Toronto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santorini Ftelos Brewery Guided Tour and Beer Tasting Experience: $41
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $64
  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $72
  • Santorini Wine Tasting Museum: $80
  • Skip Sky Tram!! 5 Hour Hassle-Free Santorini Tour & Wine Tasting: $83
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini: $90
  • Private Santorini Tour 3-4-5-6 hours-Wine Tasting Optional: $93
  • 5 Hour Tour & Wine Tasting - Skip Sky Tram Direct Port Pickup: $97
  • Santorini Private Wine Tour with Local Wineries & Tastings: $99
  • Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $104
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $105
  • Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $128

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $8.15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $20
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery: $29
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
  • Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $58
  • Distillery District Beer and Cheese Tasting Tour: $68
  • Craft Brewery Tour: $79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Toronto, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Toronto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Toronto 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 Toronto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toronto 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Toronto.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.