Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Williamsburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Niagara Falls. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?
Williamsburg
In southeast Virginia, Williamsburg is a historic city that was the capital of Virginia during the 1700's. It's now a popular tourist destination in the state because it has managed to recreate its past in a theme park like setting. Perhaps the most famous attraction in the city is "Colonial Williamsburg," an outdoor museum that recreates an 18th century town with working tradesmen and functioning jobs. You can purchase a one day pass to the area for $36 and multiple day passes at a slight discount. Exhibits in the area include observing a court proceeding, seeing the Governor's Palace, and witnessing the impact of the American Revolution on the area.
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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping 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 dayWilliamsburg $112Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $112, 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 Williamsburg and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWilliamsburg $66Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWilliamsburg $132Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg 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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Williamsburg $11Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $262
- Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $131
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $134
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $80
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Williamsburg 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 dayWilliamsburg $31Niagara Falls $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.
- Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84
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: $156
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $179
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $193
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $193
- 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.Williamsburg $34Niagara Falls $20
Tours and Activities in Williamsburg
Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
- Williamsburg East Ghost Tour: $16
- Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
- The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Williamsburg by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
- Yorktown Hallowed Ground Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
- Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25
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:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWilliamsburg -Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:
- Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48
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 : $104
- 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: $120
- Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $123
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $142
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
When comparing the travel costs between Williamsburg and Niagara Falls, we can see that Niagara Falls 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 Williamsburg Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Niagara Falls?
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 Williamsburg or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Niagara Falls. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.
In July, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 78°F (26°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWilliamsburg 78°F (26°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Niagara Falls. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Williamsburg is a little warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.
Williamsburg usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWilliamsburg 61°F (16°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
Both Niagara Falls and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Williamsburg is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Williamsburg in January average around 38°F (4°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).
Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWilliamsburg 38°F (4°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Williamsburg or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 57°F (14°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.
Williamsburg usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWilliamsburg 57°F (14°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Williamsburg
| Williamsburg | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 38°F (4°C) | 3.6 inches (93 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 41°F (5°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 49°F (9°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 57°F (14°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (25°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 43°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (90 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.