A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cincinnati vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cincinnati or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Cincinnati and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Cincinnati. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Cincinnati. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cincinnati or Toronto?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Many visitors head to Cincinnati specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.


Is the Food Better in Cincinnati or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Cincinnati is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

Is Cincinnati or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Toronto just to party. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Toronto?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.


Is Cincinnati or Toronto Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Cincinnati or Toronto Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.


Is Cincinnati or Toronto Better for Students?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for students. However, Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Cincinnati is not popular with students.

Is Cincinnati or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Toronto can get you around easily. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

While Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Cincinnati or Toronto a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Toronto

Cincinnati and Toronto both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cincinnati is a very walkable city. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.


For even more information, also check out Is Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Toronto?

Both Cincinnati and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Cincinnati. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Cincinnati. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toronto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Cincinnati. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toronto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Cincinnati if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toronto.


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Cincinnati or Toronto?

In Cincinnati, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Toronto?

In Cincinnati, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cincinnati or Toronto?

Cincinnati is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Cincinnati or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cincinnati. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cincinnati. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cincinnati $223
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. 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 Cincinnati and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    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:

  • Private Transfer:- Toronto Pearson Airport to Waterloo Black Car Service: $92
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $185
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $172
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $166
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $72
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ by Luxury SUV: $190
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657
  • Niagara Falls private transfers : $275
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $700
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer from Toronto to Pearson Airport: $67
  • Personalized Toronto Airport Transfer Service: $125
  • Private Arrival Transfer-Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Niagara Falls: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $95
    Toronto $112

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:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Kensington Market By The Sidewalk Food Tour: $52
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Dinner & Illumination Tower: $79
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Toronto $31

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: $3.58
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Queen Street West: An audio tour exploring Toronto's coolest street: $8.99
  • Historical Ghost Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Hamilton: $8.99
  • Toronto Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toronto by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Bata Shoe Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $11
  • The Reel Toronto Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $15
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • The Reel Toronto GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Take On Toronto Bar Crawl: $15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $42
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53


When comparing the travel costs between Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cincinnati. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Cincinnati in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cincinnati is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 79°F (26°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 Cincinnati this time of the year. In the summer, Cincinnati often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Cincinnati gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cincinnati for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cincinnati is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 58°F (15°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Cincinnati gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cincinnati usually receives less rain than Toronto. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Cincinnati can be very cold. In the winter, Cincinnati is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cincinnati in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Cincinnati often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Cincinnati gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Toronto. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In April, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 56°F (14°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Cincinnati, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cincinnati usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Cincinnati gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Toronto. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)