A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tallahassee vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tallahassee or Ottawa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Ottawa 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Tallahassee travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Ottawa travel costs.

Tallahassee and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Both Ottawa and Tallahassee have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Tallahassee is very popular for its nightlife, while Ottawa attracts visitors for its food. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities. Ottawa is famous for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Tallahassee different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Ottawa and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ottawa. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.


Is the Food Better in Tallahassee or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ottawa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Tallahassee is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Ottawa both offer plenty of nice spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.


Is Tallahassee or Ottawa Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Both Tallahassee and Ottawa are nice to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Ottawa is a family-friendly place to visit. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Tallahassee or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Ottawa is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

For backpackers, both Tallahassee and Ottawa are nice places to visit.

Tallahassee is a good city to visit for backpackers. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.


Is Tallahassee or Ottawa Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Tallahassee is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Is Tallahassee or Ottawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Tallahassee or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its walkability.

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.


For even more information, also check out Is Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ottawa than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ottawa than Tallahassee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ottawa that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than Tallahassee 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 Ottawa.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Ottawa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Ottawa 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Ottawa. 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 Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Ottawa. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallahassee. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The welcoming city of Ottawa offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Tallahassee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ottawa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Tallahassee?

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

  • Tallahassee Prices
    USA Prices
    Ottawa Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tallahassee $190
    Ottawa $134

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $190, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $134. 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 Tallahassee and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Ottawa? 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 Tallahassee


Hotels in Ottawa


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Ottawa $7.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $216
  • Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $82
    Ottawa $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ottawa Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $76
  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $77
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $106
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
  • Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Ottawa $40

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $108
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $215
  • Treacherous Tallahassee Ghost Tours: $24

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
  • A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $351
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
  • Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River: $159
  • Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
  • Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $23
  • Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $458
  • Experience Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour: $73
  • Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $234
  • Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $351
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $286
  • Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Ottawa $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallahassee

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

  • Tallahassee Bar Crawl: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa

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

  • Chelsea: Guided tour of the Square Distillery: $25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee and Ottawa, 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 Tallahassee or Ottawa?

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 Tallahassee or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ottawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Ottawa for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In the autumn, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. In January, Tallahassee is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Tallahassee during the spring are popular places to visit.

Tallahassee is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. In the spring, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)