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

Should you visit Sarasota or Toronto?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Toronto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Sarasota 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Sarasota and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Sarasota. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. 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 Sarasota different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toronto is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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

Toronto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Sarasota or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Sarasota or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sarasota. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Toronto?

Toronto is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Sarasota or Toronto Better for Families?

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

Sarasota is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Toronto is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Sarasota is a good city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Sarasota or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

Is Sarasota or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit 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.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Sarasota or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Toronto?

Both Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Toronto?

In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota or Toronto?

In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Toronto?

Sarasota 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 Sarasota has to offer. 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 Sarasota or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Toronto, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Toronto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toronto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toronto 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Toronto.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Toronto. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Toronto. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Toronto. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Sarasota is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toronto. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. In the winter, Sarasota is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Toronto. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Sarasota during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Sarasota