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

Should you visit Toronto or Crete?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toronto and Crete can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Crete travel costs.

Toronto and Crete: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Toronto or Crete?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Crete. Toronto is bigger than Crete, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Crete is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Crete is more touristy than Toronto and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Toronto different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toronto
Crete

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.


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

Toronto
Crete

Crete is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Crete have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. 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 Toronto or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Toronto
Crete

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Toronto or Crete Better for Resorts?

Toronto
Crete

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

Crete is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Toronto is not a resort destination.


Is Toronto or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toronto
Crete

Crete is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Crete is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toronto or Crete Better for Beaches?

Toronto
Crete

Crete is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Crete is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Toronto or Crete Better for Hiking?

Toronto
Crete

Crete is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Crete?

Toronto
Crete

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Toronto or Crete More Beautiful?

Toronto
Crete

Crete is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Toronto or Crete Better for Families?

Toronto
Crete

Crete is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. 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.


Is Toronto or Crete Better for Couples?

Toronto
Crete

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

Crete is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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 Toronto or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto
Crete

Toronto and Crete are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Crete is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Toronto or Crete Better for Students?

Toronto
Crete

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Toronto. 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.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.


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

Toronto
Crete

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Toronto or Crete a more walkable city?

Toronto
Crete

Toronto is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. 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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Toronto?

How long in Toronto or Crete?

Both Toronto and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Crete has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Crete than Toronto. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Toronto, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Crete 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 Toronto or Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toronto 3-7 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Toronto or Crete?

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Crete, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.


A weekend in Toronto or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Crete, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Toronto or Crete?

Toronto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Crete 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 Crete has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Toronto or Crete?

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. In Crete, you'll find 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Crete or Toronto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $245, while the average daily cost in Crete is $164. 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 Toronto and Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toronto $86
    Crete $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toronto $172
    Crete $124
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Toronto or Crete? 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 Toronto


Hotels in Crete


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: Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toronto $32
    Crete $54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Airport Transfer Toronto to Niagara region: $291
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $173
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $200
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ by Luxury SUV: $176
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Sedan Car: $153
  • Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Highlights of Toronto city tour with private transfers: $255
  • Low Cost:-Private Transfer: Niagara Falls Canada to Toronto Pearson Airport: $209
  • Niagara Falls private transfers: $274
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $688
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer from Toronto to Pearson Airport: $65
  • Private Airport Transfer Pearson Airport to or from Toronto: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:

  • Vip Private Transfer: Heraklion Airport /Port to & From Elounda: $129
  • VIP Private Transfer-Heraklion Airport to Elounda or Rethimno: $170
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $241
  • Transfer from - to Heraklion Airport and Port to - from Ierapetra: $176
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to Panormos area: $149
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to MATALA area: $161
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to LIGARIA area: $76
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to KOKKINI HANI area: $63
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to HERSONISSOS area: $79
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to Gouves area: $63
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to ELOUNTA area: $159
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport/Port to CHANIA CITY/ PORT: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete and Toronto 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
    Toronto $108
    Crete $66
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
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $55

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: $51
  • Great White North Food Tour + Distillery District & Old Town: $53
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $60
  • Fun Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Trendy Venue in Toronto: $60
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $64
  • Toronto : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $68
  • Toronto Best Private St Lawrence Market Food Tour: $70
  • Niagara Falls Night Tour, Boat, Journey, Dinner & Tower: $72
  • Authentic Food Tour with Local & International Flavors: $75
  • 2 Hour Express Toronto Food Tour: Flavors of Kensington Market: $75
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $77
  • Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery: $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Crete.

  • Traditional Cretan Night: Live Show and Dinner: $32
  • Traditional Dance Show and Buffet Dinner with Wine: $33
  • Troy Dinner-Show: $41
  • Plate smashing | Greek Night with Dancing & Buffet Dinner: $68
  • Rethymno: Cretan Night with Dinner and Live Music, LOCAL GUIDE: $70
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $71
  • Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers: $73
  • Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $76
  • Rethymno Old Town Walking Food Tour Local Market Visit Tastings: $88
  • Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $90
  • Amazing Sunset Jeep Safari Route with Dinner: $92
  • Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toronto $31
    Crete $28
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
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $35
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.13

Tours and Activities in Toronto

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

  • Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $1.15
  • Toronto Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.94
  • Toronto Essentials Tour: Old Town & Downtown Highlights (PWYC): $4.38
  • Toronto Iconic Core and Landmarks Walking Tour: $5.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
  • Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.56
  • Toronto Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 23 audio commentary: $6.93
  • Toronto's Waterfront: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tours: $8.22
  • Toronto's Greatest Hits: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Kensington Market and Chinatown: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Textile Museum of Canada General Entry Ticket: $11

Tours and Activities in Crete

Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4 Hour Fishing and Swimming Boat Experience in Schisma Eloundas: $147
  • 4x4 Cretan Experience from Rethymnon: $114
  • 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch: $105
  • Adventure in the South of Crete - Chora Sfakion, Sweet Water & Loutro Village.: $151
  • All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania: $299
  • Archaeological Museum & Knossos Palace Guided Tour Half Day: $114
  • Archaeological Museum Guided Tour Half Day: $63
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $117
  • Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch: $194
  • Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise Tour: $63
  • Battle of Crete 4 Day Private WW2 War History Tour: $1,025
  • Best of Heraklion : Knossos - Arch.Museum - City tour: $285

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toronto $22
    Crete $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $7.39
  • Astounding Bar Crawl: Take On Toronto: $15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $27
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $28
  • Guided Tasting Activity at Sake Brewery: $29
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $34
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $52
  • Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $58
  • Distillery District Beer and Cheese Tasting Tour: $67

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:

  • Vatolakkos: Boutique Winery Tour & 5-Wine Tasting: $28
  • From Chania:Elafonissi Beach Day Trip, Elos, Honey & Wine Tasting: $33
  • Cretan Wine Tasting Experience: $41
  • Authentic Crete Farm & Wine Tasting Experience from Heraklion: $52
  • Crete Food & Wine Tour: Olive Oil, Cheese & Wine Tasting: $54
  • Platanias: Guided Road Trip with Olive Oil and Wine Tastings: $80
  • Cave and Cretan Brewery semi private jeep tour with lunch: $164
  • PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier: $188
  • Heraklion: Ebike - All in one - Food tasting & Wine tasting: $194
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $194
  • E-Bike Tour - Knossos Olive Oil Farm to Winery Wine Tasting: $205
  • Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages: $211


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toronto and Crete, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Crete much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Toronto is in North America and Crete is in Europe, 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 Crete would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Crete 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 Crete.

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


Which has a larger population, Toronto or Crete?

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