Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Washington or Toronto?
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 Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Washington or Toronto?
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.
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.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $198Toronto $203
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $203. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $113Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $226Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Washington and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Washington or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $47Toronto $32
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: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $173
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Washington City to LaGuardia Airport Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $63
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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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: $293
- Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Pearson Airport in Niagara Falls (Ontario): $280
- Private Transfer: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) to Niagara Falls, ON: $267
- Round-Trip Transfer Between Billy Bishop Toronto (YTZ) Airport and Niagara Falls: $267
- Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $264
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Niagara: $238
- Private Arrival Transfer-Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Niagara Falls: $230
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to Toronto: $223
- Private Transfer to and from Kitchener Waterloo Region - Toronto Pearson Airport: $221
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls Canada to Toronto Downtown Black Car Service: $218
- Toronto Airport (YYZ) to Blue Mountains - Round-trip Transfer: $218
- Private Arrival Transfer. Pearson Airport to Kitchener/Waterloo : $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $38Toronto $65
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:
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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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:
- E-Scooter Food Tour Toronto: $45
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $72
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $72
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $24Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hours Book Store Tour in Capitol Hill: $80
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
- African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket: $90
- Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour from Washington DC: $99
- America’s Main Street and White House – Full-Day Tour: $730
- American History/Natural History Museum Combo Guided Tour: $69
- Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard - Semi-private Tour : $73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.26
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: $187
- 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $25
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $200
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour: $48
- 2hr Shared Sailing Experience in Toronto: $140
- 3-day Eastern Canada Tour from Toronto: $259
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $111
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $139
- Algonquin Park Tour with Hiking and Swimming: $148
- Algonquin Provincial Park Day Tour from Toronto: $141
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $19Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- 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 Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
- Finest Whisky Exploration Game in Toronto Distillery District: $8.17
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $21
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $36
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $37
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Washington or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Toronto, 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 Toronto?
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 Washington or Toronto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Toronto. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Washington is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Toronto. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Washington or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Washington is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Washington often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Washington or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Washington can be very cold during winter. In January, Washington is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Washington usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Toronto. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Washington or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Washington is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Washington
| Washington | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | -1°C (30°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.