Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Toronto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Toronto or Queenstown?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toronto and Queenstown 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.
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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a spirited, bustling, and active city. Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.
Toronto and Queenstown: Pros and Cons
Toronto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Queenstown
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less museums and historical sights
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Toronto or Queenstown?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Toronto and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Toronto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Queenstown is known for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Queenstown is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.
How is Toronto different from Queenstown?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Toronto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Skiing?
Toronto
Queenstown
Queenstown is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Toronto is not a skiing destination.
Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.
Toronto is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toronto or Queenstown?
Toronto
Queenstown
Toronto is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.
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.
While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.
Is the Food Better in Toronto or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Toronto
Queenstown
Queenstown is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. 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.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?
Toronto
Queenstown
Toronto is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.
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.
Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Hiking?
Toronto
Queenstown
Queenstown is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.
Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.
Toronto is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Queenstown?
Toronto
Queenstown
Toronto is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.
Is Toronto or Queenstown More Beautiful?
Toronto
Queenstown
Queenstown is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.
Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.
Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Families?
Toronto
Queenstown
Both Toronto and Queenstown are very good to visit with kids.
Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
Queenstown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Couples?
Toronto
Queenstown
Queenstown is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.
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.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Toronto
Queenstown
Queenstown is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.
Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Students?
Toronto
Queenstown
Toronto is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
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.
Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.
Is Toronto or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Toronto
Queenstown
Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.
Is Toronto or Queenstown a more walkable city?
Toronto
Queenstown
Toronto and Queenstown are very good when it comes to 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.
Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Toronto Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Toronto?
How long in Toronto or Queenstown?
Both Toronto and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Queenstown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Queenstown than Toronto. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Toronto, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.
Families should spend more time in Queenstown than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Queenstown, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Queenstown than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Queenstown that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Toronto 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 Queenstown.
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How many days in Toronto or Queenstown? Ideal Length of StayToronto 3-7Queenstown 2-7
One day in Toronto or Queenstown?
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.
In Queenstown, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Toronto or Queenstown?
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.
In Queenstown, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer.
Five days in Toronto or Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Toronto or Queenstown?
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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. In Queenstown, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Toronto Prices
Canada PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayToronto $249Queenstown $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $249, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. 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 Toronto and Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personToronto $86Queenstown $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomToronto $172Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Toronto or Queenstown? 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.
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: Toronto Hotel Prices and Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Toronto $32Queenstown $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$26
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $9.58
- Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $39
- Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
- Pearson Airport To Toronto Hotel & Air B&B Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport (YYZ): $43
- Private Transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto: $43
- Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
- Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
- Sedan Departure Transfer from Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ: $59
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Richmond Hill Black Car Service: $60
- Private Transfer: Toronto Pearson Airport or Mississauga City Black Car Service: $64
- Toronto Pearson Airport: Transfer to/from Niagara Falls: $67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
- Queenstown private transfer: $87
- Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
- Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown and Toronto 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
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Food Meals for one dayToronto $112Queenstown $62
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Toronto $31Queenstown $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- 1-Hour Ultimate Jet Boat Adventure on the Kawarau River: $89
- 20-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown: $167
- 30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure : $65
- Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown: $125
- Beauties of Queenstown Private Walking Tour: $941
- Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch: $150
- Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka: $215
- Convertible Picnic Tour Queenstown: $113
- Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown : $221
- Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown: $264
- Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience: $184
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown: $278
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayToronto $22Queenstown $8.86
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
- Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
- Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
- Classic Wine Tour: $127
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
- Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
- Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
- Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toronto and Queenstown, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Toronto is in North America and Queenstown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Toronto Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Toronto or Queenstown?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Toronto and Queenstown, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.