A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wisconsin Dells vs. Toronto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Toronto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Toronto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Wisconsin Dells or Toronto?

Wisconsin Dells

Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.

Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.

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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Wisconsin Dells?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $142, 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 Wisconsin Dells and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells 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.

Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


Hotels in Toronto


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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    Toronto $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • 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: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $157
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by SUV or Minibus: $76
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury SUV: $174
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $152
  • Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $152
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $133
  • Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
  • One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43
    Toronto $65

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:

  • Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
  • Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
  • 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
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
  • Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $151

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $16
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

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)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

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

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
  • Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.28
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
  • Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
  • Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
  • Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.02
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
  • Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.01
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
  • Craft Brewery Tour: $75
  • From Niagara Wine Tours: $111
  • Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
  • Toronto to Niagara Wine Tour : $133


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

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


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 1880 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Toronto?

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 Wisconsin Dells or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In the summer, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Toronto. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Wisconsin Dells during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be very cold. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Toronto.

In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)