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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Toronto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Minneapolis 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Minneapolis and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Minneapolis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Minneapolis different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Toronto are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Toronto both to be high quality destinations.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Dining out in Toronto is an experience not to be missed. 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 Minneapolis or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Minneapolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Toronto?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Minneapolis and Toronto.

Known for shopping, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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.

Is Minneapolis or Toronto Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Toronto are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Toronto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Minneapolis or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Toronto is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Minneapolis or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. 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.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Toronto?

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

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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.

One day in Minneapolis or Toronto?

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 cultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Toronto?

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

Toronto is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Toronto?

Minneapolis 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 vibrant city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Toronto?

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

Toronto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Toronto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Minneapolis is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 76°F (25°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during summer. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Toronto. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Minneapolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Toronto. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Minneapolis is much colder than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minneapolis in January average around 15°F (-10°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Toronto. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the spring, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Minneapolis