Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Ensenada?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ensenada or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ensenada 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.
Ensenada
Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ensenada 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.
Ensenada and Toronto: Pros and Cons
Ensenada
Pros- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Toronto
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 Ensenada or Toronto?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Ensenada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its beaches. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower.
How is Ensenada different from Toronto?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Ensenada. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Toronto?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada 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.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.
Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Ensenada
Toronto
Both Ensenada and Toronto offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.
Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Nightlife?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Beaches?
Ensenada
Toronto
Ensenada is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.
Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.
Toronto is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Toronto?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada 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.
Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Families?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada 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.
Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Couples?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada 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.
Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Students?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is very popular for students. However, Ensenada 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.
Ensenada is not popular with students.
Is Ensenada or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Ensenada
Toronto
Toronto is very popular for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.
Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.
Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.
Is Ensenada or Toronto a more walkable city?
Ensenada
Toronto
Ensenada and Toronto both are excellent when exploring on foot.
Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.
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 Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Toronto or Ensenada?
How long in Ensenada or Toronto?
Both Ensenada 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 Ensenada. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.
Families should spend more time in Toronto than Ensenada. 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 Ensenada. 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 Ensenada 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.
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How many days in Ensenada or Toronto? Ideal Length of StayEnsenada 2-3Toronto 3-7
One day in Ensenada or Toronto?
In Ensenada, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
A weekend in Ensenada or Toronto?
In Ensenada, 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 Ensenada has to offer.
Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Ensenada or Toronto?
Ensenada 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
A week in Ensenada or Toronto?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ensenada. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Ensenada Prices
Mexico PricesToronto Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEnsenada $115Toronto $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Ensenada is $115, 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 Ensenada and Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEnsenada $42Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEnsenada $84Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Ensenada 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: Ensenada Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ensenada $19Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:
- Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $125
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:
- 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 Ensenada or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto and Ensenada 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 dayEnsenada $61Toronto $112
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ensenada
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ensenada.
- Mexican Cooking Class at Hacienda Eco-Domes | Valle de Guadalupe: $84
- Tacos and Margaritas Food Tour in Ensenada Mexico: $85
- Cooking Class and Margarita Madness at Valle de Guadalupe : $89
- Surprises, Delights and Joys Ensenada Wine, Mezcal, and Food Tour: $100
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:
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ensenada $9.79Toronto $31
Tours and Activities in Ensenada
Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Explore Ensenada with Private Car and Walking Tour: $65
- 10 Hour Private Tour in ensenada, bufadora or valle de guadalupe: $290
- ATV Mountain Tour: $70
- ATV Off Road Adventure Shore Excursion Optional Taco Stop: $119
- ATV Off-Road Adventure through Valle de Guadalupe + Winery Visit: $77
- ATV'S on the Mountain with Ocean View Private Tour: $110
- Adventure in Ensenada with Zipline, Marine Geyser and Shops: $99
- Canopy Ziplines Tour in Las Cañadas Private Tour: $89
- Couple Tour: $116
- Ensenada City Tour on Ford T Replica and Beach Horse Back Riding : $120
- Ensenada Pvt City Tour w Tacos, Culture, Sites +Massage add ons : $119
- Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding: $168
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEnsenada $9.98Toronto $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada
Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $27
- Tractor Pull Around Vineyards and Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Private Ensenada Tacos and Wine Tour : $109
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Experience: Wine Tastings Included: $112
- Valle de Guadalupe COUPLES wine tasting for 2: $135
- wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $145
- Pvt Wine Tastings + Cheese Store + Massage Shore Excursion: $149
- Wine Tasting Tour ONLY for Cruise Ship Visitors. ALL INCLUSIVE!: $221
- Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $238
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ensenada Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.
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.