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

Should you visit Norfolk or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Norfolk 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Norfolk and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • 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 Norfolk or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Norfolk, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk
Toronto

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

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


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

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Norfolk or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Toronto?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Norfolk or Toronto Better for Families?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Norfolk or Toronto Better for Couples?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.


Is Norfolk or Toronto Better for Students?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for students. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options 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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Norfolk or Toronto a more walkable city?

Norfolk
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.


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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Toronto?

Both Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Norfolk 1-2 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Norfolk or Toronto?

In Norfolk, 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.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Norfolk or Toronto?

In Norfolk, 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 Norfolk has to offer.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Norfolk or Toronto?

Norfolk 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Norfolk or Toronto?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Norfolk?

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

  • Norfolk Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Norfolk $202
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $202, 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 Norfolk and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Norfolk $84
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Norfolk $168
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk 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 Norfolk


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Norfolk $54
    Toronto $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

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 Van: $173
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $215
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $167
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $72
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $147
  • Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $262
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657
  • Niagara Falls private transfers : $277
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $700
  • Private Arrival Transfer-Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Niagara Falls: $229
  • Private Departure Transfer to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Norfolk or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $85
    Toronto $112

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • City Cruises Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise: $57
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
  • 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise with Fireworks: $210

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
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
  • 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
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Norfolk $14
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • City Cruises Signature Lunch Cruise: $84
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Tour E-Bike Rental in Norfolk: $75
  • Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin: $40
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $42

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
  • Old Town Toronto Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $4.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.74
  • Discover Toronto's Waterfront with a Smartphone Trivia Tour!: $8.12
  • 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 Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Toronto Audio Tour:Maple Delights in Toronto Audio Tour Adventure: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Norfolk $10
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
  • 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: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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


Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Toronto?

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

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

Norfolk is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, 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 Norfolk this time of the year. In the summer, Norfolk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Norfolk receives a lot of rain in the summer. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Norfolk or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Norfolk 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.

In the autumn, Norfolk is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Toronto. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Norfolk or Toronto in the Winter?

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


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