A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Destin vs. Toronto for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin 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 Destin and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Destin travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.

Destin and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
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
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Destin or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Destin and Toronto are both popular with visitors, Toronto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Destin is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Destin different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. 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.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Destin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

Is Destin or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is terrific for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. 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.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Destin or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Destin
Toronto

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

In Destin, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

Toronto is not a resort destination.


Is Destin or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Destin
Toronto

Destin is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Destin attract visitors from all over. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Toronto?

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is terrific for shopping. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Destin. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

Is Destin or Toronto More Beautiful?

Destin
Toronto

Destin is a beach town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Destin or Toronto Better for Families?

Destin
Toronto

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Toronto.

Destin is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toronto is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Destin or Toronto Better for Couples?

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Destin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

Is Destin or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Destin or Toronto Better for Students?

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is terrific for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Destin is a decent spot for students. It is more a family-friendly destination than a spring break destination. If you're looking for a place to cut loose and blow off some steam, then there are better options in Florida.

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

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is terrific for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is quite limited in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

Is Destin or Toronto a more walkable city?

Destin
Toronto

Toronto is notable for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Toronto is very walkable. 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.

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.


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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Destin?

How long in Destin or Toronto?

Both Destin and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Toronto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toronto than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Destin. 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 Destin. 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 Destin 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 Destin or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Destin or Toronto?

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Toronto?

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Toronto is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Toronto?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Destin or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 Destin?

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

  • Destin Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Destin $229
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, 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 Destin and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Destin and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Destin 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 Destin


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: Destin Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    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:

  • Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.58
  • Toronto Airport YYZ Private Transfer to Toronto (Special Offer): $29
  • Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $39
  • Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
  • Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotel & Air B&B Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto: $43
  • Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
  • Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
  • Toronto Airport YYZ Roundtrip Transfer to Toronto (Special Offer): $58
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Richmond Hill Black Car Service: $60
  • Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $63
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer from Toronto to Pearson Airport: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Destin 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
    Destin $89
    Toronto $112

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • Halloween Dinner Cruise & Costume Contest: $115
  • Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128

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.
    Destin $17
    Toronto $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:

  • Dolphin & Sunset Cruises in Destin FL aboard the Hydrojet : $35
  • Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Island Sightseeing Cruise on the Sound: $60
  • 10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $224
  • 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
  • 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise : $89
  • 3 Hour Crab Island and Harbor Tour from Destin Non-Private: $70
  • 3 hour Crab Island Adventure with Cruise Destin Bay: $75
  • 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $112
  • 8-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $151
  • All Inclusive Cypress Springs Eco Adventure with GoPro: $125
  • Back Porch on the water Fall/Winter Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $69

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
    Destin $49
    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 Destin 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 Destin Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Destin or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Destin 82°F (28°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Destin or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Toronto. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Destin is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Toronto. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Destin 69°F (21°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Destin or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Destin 50°F (10°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Destin or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Destin is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Toronto. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Destin 68°F (20°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Destin

Destin Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)