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

Should you visit Flagstaff or Toronto?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flagstaff and Toronto can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Flagstaff travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Flagstaff and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • 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 Flagstaff or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Flagstaff. Toronto is bigger than Flagstaff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Flagstaff is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Flagstaff different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. 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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.


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

Flagstaff
Toronto

Both Flagstaff and Toronto offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Flagstaff is an experience not to be missed. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Toronto is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Flagstaff is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Flagstaff visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Flagstaff or Toronto?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto More Beautiful?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Flagstaff is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Flagstaff is a gorgeous place to visit. While the city itself isn't exactly beautiful, the surrounding landscapes are surreal and truly unique.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto Better for Families?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Both Flagstaff and Toronto are great to visit with kids.

Flagstaff is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Flagstaff or Toronto Better for Couples?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is well known for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Flagstaff and Toronto are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Flagstaff is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto Better for Students?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for students. However, Flagstaff is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. 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.

Flagstaff is not popular with students.


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

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere 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 Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.

Is Flagstaff or Toronto a more walkable city?

Flagstaff
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Flagstaff?

How long in Flagstaff or Toronto?

Both Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Flagstaff, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Flagstaff 2-4 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Flagstaff or Toronto?

In Flagstaff, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Flagstaff or Toronto?

In Flagstaff, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Flagstaff has to offer.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Flagstaff or Toronto?

Flagstaff is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Flagstaff or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flagstaff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Flagstaff. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure 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 Flagstaff?

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

  • Flagstaff Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Flagstaff $207
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Flagstaff is $207, 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 Flagstaff and Toronto in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff


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: Flagstaff Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flagstaff $37
    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 Flagstaff or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff $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.
    Flagstaff $28
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

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

  • Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $245
  • Bike Then Beer Tour with Guided EBike: $125
  • Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff: $209
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour: $28
  • Family-Friendly Ghost Walking Tour in Flagstaff: $30
  • Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $65
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Flagstaff Segway Tour: $129
  • Flagstaff Underground: Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Flagstaff's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Adults-Only Haunted Walking Tour: $35

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
    Flagstaff $29
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl: $50
  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $60

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 Flagstaff and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Flagstaff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flagstaff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff.

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


Which is Bigger, Flagstaff or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Flagstaff. When comparing the sizes of Flagstaff 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.