Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Seoul or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Toronto?
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $109Toronto $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $109, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $205. 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 Seoul and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $55Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $110Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Seoul 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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $16Toronto $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.69
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Short Taxi Ride$5.16
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Metro Ride$0.99
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Private Transfer l Airport to/from Seoul: $100
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $170
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $101
- Lotte World Ticket with Private Transfer: $181
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Transfer from Incheon Airport to Seoul up to 12 pax: $181
- Private Gimpo Airport Transfer to Seoul and Vice Versa: $95
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $204
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $167
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$27
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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 Seoul or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Seoul 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 daySeoul $30Toronto $66
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.42
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Waffle$0.74
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Dippin' Dots$1.47
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Chicken Fried Rice$4.05
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Chicken Stick$1.47
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.40
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Lunch Buffet$4.42
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Donut$0.74
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Mushroom Burger$3.83
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.43
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Udon & Sushi$5.16
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Fresh Burger$3.54
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.32
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.69
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Fried Rice$4.05
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Vietnamese Dinner$7.00
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$7.00
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Donut$1.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Korean Cooking @ Seoul Cooking Club!: $0.11
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $37
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $48
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $58
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Half Day Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 landMarks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
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: $73
- 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: $93
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $152
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $27Toronto $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.90
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Movie Ticket$5.90
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Kimchi Museum$2.21
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $72
- Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
- ‘Itaewon Class’ Night Tour: $24
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $37
- 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Songpa Seoul: $48
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
- 63 Aqua Planet and 63 Building Seoul Observatory Tickets: $14
- ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $55
- Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
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)$7.32
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: $4.31
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
- Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.08
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $11
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $43
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $81
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.07
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto : Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $38
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
- Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia 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 Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Toronto?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toronto. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul or Toronto in the Summer?
Both Toronto and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySeoul 26°C (78°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Toronto. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Seoul is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Toronto. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSeoul 15°C (59°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Toronto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Seoul can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Seoul is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySeoul -3°C (27°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.
In April, Seoul is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Toronto. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSeoul 13°C (55°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Seoul
| Seoul | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -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.