A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Toronto vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Toronto or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver 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.

Where Should I go: Toronto or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.

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


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Toronto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $205, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toronto $87
    Vancouver $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toronto $174
    Vancouver $176
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Toronto or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver


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 and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toronto $33
    Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    $27
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $297
  • Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Pearson Airport in Niagara Falls (Ontario): $280
  • Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $268
  • Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto: $227
  • Toronto Airport (YYZ) to Blue Mountains - Round-trip Transfer: $221
  • Private Arrival Transfer. Pearson Airport to Kitchener/Waterloo : $220
  • Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Pearson Airport : $212
  • Toronto Pearson Airport arrival transfer (Airport to any Hotel or Address): $199
  • Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $182
  • Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $182
  • Private Transfer for 1-10 Passengers to Downtown: $176
  • Toronto Airport Private Transfer to Downtown : $176

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

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


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.42
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.81
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

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

  • Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $513
  • Floatplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $207
  • City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $58
  • Vancouver, BC: Scenic Floatplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $284
  • Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $72
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $89
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Coach Bus Transfer: $74
  • Vancouver hotels to Canada Place Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Vancouver Harbour Water Airport to Whistler - Round-Trip Transfer: $155
  • Vancouver Harbour Water Airport to Whistler - Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Vancouver Cruise ship Transfer to Airport/City Hotel: $136
  • Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 $66
    Vancouver $31
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)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

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

  • Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $67
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $69
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $73
  • Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $81
  • Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $81
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $91
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $91
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $111
  • Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour with Optional Boat & Dinner: $113
  • Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $152

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

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

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $60
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $85
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $98
  • North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $110
  • Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $129
  • Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $136
  • 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
  • Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $160
  • Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures: $166
  • Private Food Tour Tailored to You by a Local: $229
  • Attractions by Twilight Guided Tour with Dinner: $263
  • Vancouver Small Group Night Tour w/Capilano + Grouse Mtn Dinner: $287

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toronto $31
    Vancouver $36
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
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.34

Tours and Activities in Toronto

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

  • 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $189
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $204
  • 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $113
  • Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
  • Algonquin Provincial Park Day Tour from Toronto: $144
  • Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $143
  • Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.23
  • Bon Echo Canoeing & Swimming Adventure: $170
  • Bus to Grotto - Tobermory Flowerpot Island Cruise Bruce Peninsula: $150
  • City Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $50
  • Downtown Toronto Tour: $4.54
  • Easter Premier Brunch Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto: $93

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

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

  • Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $133
  • Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $148
  • $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $103
  • $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
  • 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $196
  • 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $235
  • 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,421
  • 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $458
  • 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $585
  • 4-Hour Bike Tour - Stanley Park, Granville Island, & Gastown: $103
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $335
  • 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,421

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toronto $22
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.13
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
  • Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $21
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $37
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $37
  • Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $44
  • 5-Hour Premium Night Pub Crawl Experience in Toronto: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $125
  • Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $128
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $136
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $139
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $165
  • Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $170
  • Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $239
  • Private Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $335


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

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


Which is Bigger, Toronto or Vancouver?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of Toronto and Vancouver, 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 Toronto or Vancouver?

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 Toronto or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toronto and Vancouver.

Toronto is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toronto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Toronto gets 281 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toronto usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Toronto gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toronto 21°C (70°F) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toronto as well as Vancouver.

In the autumn, Toronto is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toronto in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Toronto often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Toronto gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Toronto usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Toronto gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toronto 11°C (51°F) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Toronto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Toronto is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around -4°C (25°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Toronto usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Toronto gets 87 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Toronto usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Toronto gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toronto -4°C (25°F) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Toronto during the spring are popular places to visit.

Toronto is cooler than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Toronto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Toronto gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toronto usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Toronto gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toronto 7°C (44°F) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Toronto

Toronto Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)