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

Should you visit Ocean City or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.

Ocean City and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Toronto and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. 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 Ocean City different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Toronto is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Resorts?

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

In Ocean City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Toronto make for a excellent place to visit.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Ocean City or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for students. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Toronto?

Both Ocean City 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 Ocean City. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ocean City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Toronto?

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

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Toronto?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. 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.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Toronto?

Ocean City 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 Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Toronto?

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

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ocean City is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Toronto. Most visitors come to Ocean City 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 October, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Toronto. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Ocean City can be very cold. Ocean City is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ocean City is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Toronto. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Ocean City