Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Tallinn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tallinn or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Ottawa, 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.
Where Should I go: Tallinn or Ottawa?
Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. It has a population of more than 430,000 people and is a charming, yet cosmopolitan place to visit. The Old Town is at the center of the city's tourism, and the beauty and architecture is very impressive. The city's close proximity to Helsinki makes it a popular day trip from Finland, but cheap plane flights have also encouraged visitors from around Europe to spend several days in this city. In particular, summer months can become quite crowded.
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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTallinn €95Ottawa €114
The average daily cost (per person) in Tallinn is €95, 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 Tallinn and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTallinn €47Ottawa €17
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTallinn €94Ottawa €34
Compare Hotels in Tallinn and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Tallinn 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: Tallinn Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tallinn €12Ottawa €6.75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tallinn
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Tallinn:
-
Tram Around Town for Two€1.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tallinn
Also for Tallinn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer: $43
- Highlights Shore Excursion with Return Transfer: $48
- Beginner Archery Class with Transfer: $81
- Airport Transfer Service: $48
- Tallinn hotels to Tallinn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $16
- Tallinn Return Airport Transfers: $68
- Tallinn Limo Airport Transfer: $75
- Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport (TLL): Transfer to Tallinn Port: $102
- Tallinn Highlights Shore Excursion With Port Return Transfer: $65
- Tallinn Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tallinn hotels: $102
- Tallinn Cruise Port to Tallinn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
- Tallinn Arrival Private Airport Transfer in Minivan: $118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Tallinn or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Tallinn 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 dayTallinn €36Ottawa €16
Typical Food Prices in Tallinn
For Tallinn, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two€7.68
-
Dessert€1.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tallinn
For Tallinn, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tallinn TV Tower evening dinner (2-course meal): $56
- Tallinn TV Tower evening dinner (3-course meal): $64
- Tallinn Russian Dinner: $84
- Tallinn Food Tour: $116
- Tallinn 3-Hour Estonian Food Tour: $127
- Tallinn Food Tour with Round-trip Transfer Port-City: $137
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tallinn €5.63Ottawa €37
Tours and Activities in Tallinn
For Tallinn, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Legends and Landmarks: A Tallinn Walking Adventure": $22
- 120 Degrees daily guided walking tour: $27
- 2 Hour Tales of Tallinn Private Car Tour: $66
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Tallinn: $49
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Tallinn: $294
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Tallinn: $188
- 5 Hour Deluxe Shore Excursion in Tallinn from Cruise Port: $48
- 5 Hour Majestic Tallinn Tour from Cruise Port: $45
- Accessible tour in Tallinn: $743
- Aegna Island: Self-Guided Discovery Tour: $8.60
- Alcohol Tasting Tour In Tallinn: $65
- All-in-One Tallinn - See stunning Estonian Capital from a Cruise Ship or Hotel: $78
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTallinn €15Ottawa €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Tallinn
Also in Tallinn, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Mad Monk’s Pub Crawl Tallinn: $22
- Tallinn Pub Crawl (Ex The Epic Bar Crawl): $27
- Tallinn Exclusive Pub & Bar Crawl - Free Drinks, Local Guide: $42
- Tallinn Brewery Fiesta: $72
- Tallinn Guided Bar Crawl: $124
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 Tallinn and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tallinn 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 Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa than you might in Tallinn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tallinn Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tallinn is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTallinn 17°C (62°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Tallinn or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Tallinn is generally cooler than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTallinn 7°C (44°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Tallinn or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. Tallinn is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTallinn -5°C (22°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Tallinn or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Ottawa. The natural beauty are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tallinn in the spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTallinn 4°C (39°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Tallinn
| Tallinn | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (22°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -6°C (22°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (29°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (39°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -3°C (27°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.