A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hamptons vs. Ottawa for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

The Hamptons and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hamptons than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hamptons is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. The Hamptons is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Also, The Hamptons is famous for The Montauk Lighthouse. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is The Hamptons different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

Ottawa is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

The Hamptons
Ottawa

Foodies will find both The Hamptons and Ottawa both to be notable destinations.

The Hamptons offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Ottawa has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

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 Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.


Is The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons is a popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to The Hamptons specifically to go shopping. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons or Ottawa More Beautiful?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Families?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

Both The Hamptons and Ottawa are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hamptons. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Ottawa offers lots of family activities. 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 The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Couples?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. 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.


Is The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

Is The Hamptons or Ottawa Better for Students?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

The Hamptons
Ottawa

Ottawa is a city with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.


Is The Hamptons or Ottawa a more walkable city?

The Hamptons
Ottawa

The Hamptons and Ottawa both are notable when exploring on foot.

The Hamptons is somewhat walkable. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hamptons and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Ottawa. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons or Ottawa? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hamptons 3-7 
    Ottawa 2-3

One day in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Ottawa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ottawa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hamptons. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Ottawa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in The Hamptons or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of The Hamptons. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ottawa is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or The Hamptons?

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

  • The Hamptons Prices
    USA Prices
    Ottawa Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    The Hamptons $267
    Ottawa $134

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hamptons is $267, 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 The Hamptons and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hamptons $126
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hamptons $252
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in The Hamptons and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons


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: Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hamptons $63
    Ottawa $7.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42
  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $218
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hamptons or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and The Hamptons 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
    The Hamptons $104
    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: $77
  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $78
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
  • Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $107
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
  • Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hamptons $22
    Ottawa $40

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Rockcliffe Exploration Game and Tour: $7.20
  • Street Art Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour in Ottawa: $7.20
  • Ottawa Downtown Historic Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Ottawa Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Detective Adventure: $8.40
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
  • Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.61
  • Ottawa Valleyview Little Animal Farm Tour: $10
  • Ottawa's Original Historical Highlights Public Walking Tour: $18
  • Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel: $18
  • Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
  • Ottawa Senators Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hamptons $31
    Ottawa $18

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 The Hamptons and Ottawa, we can see that The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons or Ottawa?

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 The Hamptons or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, The Hamptons is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 76°F (25°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

The Hamptons receives a lot of rain in the summer. The Hamptons usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. The Hamptons gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit The Hamptons or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and The Hamptons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the shopping scene during these months.

The Hamptons is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In October, The Hamptons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit The Hamptons or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and The Hamptons during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. The Hamptons can be very cold during winter. In the winter, The Hamptons is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hamptons in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit The Hamptons or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, The Hamptons is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In April, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Ottawa. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and The Hamptons

The Hamptons Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)