Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Warsaw?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Warsaw or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Ottawa 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: Warsaw or Ottawa?
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWarsaw $94Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $94, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Warsaw and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWarsaw $52Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWarsaw $104Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Warsaw $4.68Ottawa $7.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw
Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- from Warsaw to Krakow private transfer: $498
- Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $212
- Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $448
- Private Economy Transfer Airport -City 1-3 person: $67
- Gun Shooting Experience with Transfers: $84
- Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $176
- Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfer: $175
- Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57
- Chopin Airport Private Transfer: $82
- Chopin & Modlin Airport Transfers: $65
- Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $36
- Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Warsaw or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Warsaw 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 dayWarsaw $27Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:
-
Dinner for Two$13
-
Lunch for Two$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw
For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $19
- Breakfast Market Food Tour in Warsaw: $56
- Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
- Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
- Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
- Polish Food Tour: $93
- Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $95
- 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $110
- The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
- EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
- Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
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.Warsaw $7.02Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Warsaw
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.
- 1-day tour from Warsaw to Kazimierz Dolny : $229
- 2 Hour Super Segway City Tour of Warsaw: $67
- 2-Hour Breakfast Experience in a Home from Warsaw: $49
- 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $207
- 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $38
- 5-Hour Private Walking Night Tour in Warsaw: $63
- 6 Hour Private Car Tour to Treblinka With Hotel Pickup: $307
- Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $76
- Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
- Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
- Chopin's Warsaw - guided tour in a minivan with evening piano concert: $67
- Chopin’s Warsaw - City tour in the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin: $69
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 dayWarsaw $10Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:
- The Original Pub Crawl: $16
- #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
- Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
- Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $177
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 Warsaw and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Warsaw 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 Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Warsaw.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Warsaw Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Ottawa?
Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Warsaw is generally cooler than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 19°C (65°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyWarsaw 19°C (65°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Warsaw is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Warsaw usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWarsaw 9°C (49°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Warsaw can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Warsaw is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Warsaw in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Warsaw usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWarsaw -3°C (27°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Warsaw or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Warsaw during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Warsaw is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (47°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the spring, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Warsaw usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilWarsaw 9°C (47°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Warsaw
| Warsaw | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (47°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (65°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (49°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (31°F) | 32 mm (1.3 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.