Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Washington or Niagara Falls?
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 Washington and Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Washington or Niagara Falls?
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $198Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Washington and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $113Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $226Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Washington and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Washington or Niagara Falls? 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: Washington Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $47Niagara Falls $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $81
- Private Transfer- Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $81
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $262
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
- Private Half Day Niagara Wine Tour Visit with Transfer Included: $199
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown: $197
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Washington 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 dayWashington $38Niagara Falls $28
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $97
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $151
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
- Niagara Falls Canada: Small Group Night Tour w/Boat & Dinner: $219
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $24Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $299
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
- 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
- All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
- All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
- All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $19Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Niagara Falls, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Washington or Niagara Falls?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Niagara Falls, 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 Washington or Niagara Falls?
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 Washington or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Washington is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets less sunshine than Niagara Falls. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Washington or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Niagara Falls. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Washington is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Washington usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Washington usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Washington or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Niagara Falls. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. Washington is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In the winter, Washington often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Washington or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Washington is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Washington usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Washington
| Washington | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -0°C (31°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.