How Much Does Toronto Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Toronto serves as a dynamic coastal hub on the edge of Lake Ontario, where urban sophistication meets a unique island landscape. While daily expenses range from $77 / C$105 for budget-conscious travelers to over $693 / C$949 for those seeking high-end luxury, the city offers a more accessible price point than major global centers like New York. Costs are heavily influenced by the seasonal transition from freezing winters to vibrant, mild shoulder seasons where temperatures hover between 15–20°C (59–68°F). Visitors must navigate a landscape where listed prices are deceptive, as high mandatory taxes and an entrenched tipping culture add significant amounts to the final bill. Whether staying in the high-rises of the Downtown Core or seeking the sandy shores of the Toronto Islands, managing a budget here requires careful attention to transport and dining choices.
Is Toronto expensive to visit?
Toronto is moderately expensive, with typical daily costs ranging from $77 / C$105 to $693 / C$949 depending on your choice of accommodation and dining style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Toronto
$77
per person /day
$230
per person /day
$693
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $230 | $690 | $2,080 |
| 5-Day Trip | $384 | $1,149 | $3,466 |
| 7-Day Trip | $537 | $1,609 | $4,853 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is essential to include a 15% buffer to cover the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and the 18% standard tip expected at sit-down restaurants, as these are never included in the menu or sticker price. Additionally, the Municipal Accommodation Tax can add a significant daily cost to hotel stays that is often billed at checkout.
How Does It Compare?
See how Toronto stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Toronto
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Three-Course Meal for Two Verified verified price. Does not include 13% tax or 18% tip (~$88 / C$120 total). | $88 C$120 |
| Pint of Local Craft Beer Craft beer at trendy bars in Queen West is ~$7.3 / C$9.99. | $7.3 C$9.99 |
| Peameal Bacon Sandwich at St. Lawrence Market A Toronto staple. Cash is often faster here. ~$8.2 / C$11. | $8.2 C$11 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| UP Express (Airport to Union Station) Takes 25 minutes. Children 12 and under ride free (~$0). | $9.02 C$12 |
| Toronto Island Ferry (Return Trip) Price includes the return trip from the islands. ~$7.04 / C$9.63 per person. | $7.04 C$9.63 |
| TTC Single fare (Debit/Credit/PRESTO) Verified verified price. Tapping credit card is ~$0.04 / C$0.05 cheaper than cash. | $2.41 C$3.3 |
| Taxi/Uber from Pearson Airport to Downtown Flat rates apply for taxis leaving the airport. Uber/Lyft vary by demand. | $47 C$65 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in downtown hostel (HI Toronto) Includes central location. Prices can rise to ~$65 / C$89 during summer weekends. | $42 C$58 |
| Mid-range hotel room (Chelsea Hotel) Canada's largest hotel. Average nightly rates for central 3-star hotels are ~$193 / C$264. | $193 C$265 |
| Luxury Hotel Stay (Shangri-La) Verified verified price. This is ~$426 / C$583 per night excluding tax. | $393 C$538 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| CN Tower Timed General Admission Highest standard adult tier. SkyPod access costs an additional ~$7.3 / C$9.99. | $33 C$45 |
| Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) General Admission Verified verified price. Highest point of dynamic pricing. Under 3 free. | $23 C$31 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo Canada eSIM (10GB - 30 Days) Best value for a week-long stay. High capacity 50GB costs ~$86 / C$118. | $19 C$26 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Verified verified price. Required for air travelers from visa-exempt countries (~$5.11 / C$6.99). | $5.11 C$6.99 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by diverse pockets like Chinatown and Kensington Market, where iconic staples like a $8.2 / C$11 peameal bacon sandwich from St. Lawrence Market provide high value. A typical mid-range three-course meal for two in the city averages $88 / C$120, though this excludes the mandatory 13% tax and the customary 18% tip. For casual drinks, a local craft beer in trendy neighborhoods like Queen West costs approximately $7.3 / C$9.99.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Seven Lives Tacos
$5.47–$11 / C$7.49–C$15Kensington Market · Street food area
The Gobernador is the must-try signature taco for ~$5.47 / C$7.49.
Loga's Corner
$7.3–$10 / C$9.99–C$14Parkdale · Local chain
Best Tibetan momos in the city. Their spicy sauce is legendary and costs ~$0.71 / C$0.97 extra.
Banh Mi Nguyen Huong
$4.01–$6.57 / C$5.49–C$8.99Chinatown · Bakery
Cash only. One of the cheapest filling lunches in the city for under ~$4.71 / C$6.44.
Patties Express
$2.55–$5.84 / C$3.5–C$7.99Dundas Station · Local chain
Authentic Jamaican beef patties; a spicy one is only ~$2.53 / C$3.46.
Salad King
$10–$15 / C$14–C$20Yonge-Dundas · Local chain
A student favorite. Ask for '20 chilies' only if you want extreme heat for ~$11 / C$15.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Moving between the mainland and the Toronto Islands is efficient with return ferry trips priced at $7.04 / C$9.63, while the urban core is served by the TTC system at $2.41 / C$3.3 per single fare. Reaching the city from the airport is most cost-effective via the UP Express for $9.02 / C$12, whereas a flat-rate taxi or Uber into downtown costs roughly $47 / C$65.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging rates fluctuate significantly, with central hostels like HI Toronto offering dorm beds for $42 / C$58 and mid-range hotels like the Chelsea Hotel averaging $193 / C$265. For luxury seekers, high-end stays at the Shangri-La reach approximately $393 / C$538 per night, excluding the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
Accommodation Budget in Toronto
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use a contactless credit card or PRESTO card to pay a reduced fare of $2.41 / C$3.3 on the TTC, which includes a two-hour transfer window.
- 2 Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on the third Tuesday night of each month between 17:30–20:30 for free admission, saving the $23 / C$31 entrance fee.
- 3 Avoid roaming charges by purchasing an Airalo Canada eSIM for $19 / C$26, which covers 10GB of data for 30 days.
- 4 Dine at Salad King near Yonge-Dundas for large portions of Thai food that are significantly cheaper than sit-down restaurants in Yorkville.
- 5 Walk the PATH, a 30km underground pedestrian network, to navigate the downtown core for free while avoiding harsh weather conditions.
- 6 Grab a $8.2 / C$11 Peameal Bacon Sandwich at St. Lawrence Market for a filling, culturally iconic meal that costs half the price of a standard restaurant lunch.
- 7 Take the ferry to Toronto Islands for $7.04 / C$9.63 early in the morning to enjoy the beaches before the midday crowds arrive.
- 8 Check out the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on Wednesday evenings between 18:00–21:00 for free access to the permanent collections.
- 9 Utilize the public library's 'Museum + Arts Pass' if staying with a local resident to gain free entry to major attractions.
- 10 Refill water bottles at public fountains; Toronto's tap water is high quality, saving the $2.94 / C$4.03 typically charged for bottled water.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Mar
-25-40%
May, Sep, Oct
Winter (January–March) is freezing with temps below -10°C (14°F), but hotel rooms can drop below ~$118 / C$161 per night. Shoulder seasons offer mild 15–20°C (59–68°F) weather and better value.
Events to Watch
- ● TIFF (September): +60% hotels
- ● Pride Toronto (June): +40% hotels
- ● Caribana (August): +50% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the cobblestone streets and outdoor art installations of the Distillery District.
- 2 Relax on the sand under the pink umbrellas at Sugar Beach.
- 3 Walk through Graffiti Alley to see some of the city's most famous street art.
- 4 Visit the High Park Zoo to see bison, llamas, and peacocks at no cost.
- 5 Wander through the Victorian-style glass houses of the Allan Gardens Conservatory.
- 6 Visit Riverdale Farm in Cabbagetown to see a working farm in the middle of the city.
- 7 Walk the 3km boardwalk along the Woodbine Beach waterfront.
- 8 Explore the historic grounds and architecture of the University of Toronto St. George campus.
- 9 Watch the street performers and big-screen events at Yonge-Dundas Square.
- 10 Visit the Evergreen Brick Works to hike the lookout path for a view of the skyline.
- 11 Window shop through the vibrant stalls of Kensington Market during Pedestrian Sundays.
- 12 View the stunning interior of the Toronto Public Reference Library, an architectural landmark.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
EdgeWalk at CN Tower
Walk hands-free 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the city. Includes a video and photos.
Dining at 360 Restaurant (Prix Fixe)
The revolving view is unmatched, and spending ~$69 / C$95 on lunch waives your ~$33 / C$45 elevator fee.
Private Boat Charter to Toronto Islands
Avoid the crowded ferry and see the skyline at sunset from the water.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Toronto
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Toronto and what they cost
Niagara Falls
$31 / C$42 by train
$47 / C$65
$109 / C$150
Prince Edward County (Sandbanks)
$62 / C$85 by bus
$11 / C$15
$131 / C$180
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
1 $ ≈ 1.37 $
No
Everywhere including street food and transit
Standard 15–20% in restaurants. Bars expect ~$1.47–$2.18 / C$2.01–C$2.98 per drink. Taxis ~10–15%.
Avoid 'white label' generic ATMs in convenience stores which charge ~$3.65–$5.12 / C$4.99–C$7.01 fees. Use major banks like TD, RBC, or Scotiabank.
Connectivity
eSIM: $8.24–$19 for 3-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $35–$53 / C$48–C$72 at airport for 20GB
WiFi: Excellent in libraries, malls, and Tim Hortons
Airalo eSIM is the most convenient for short trips; avoid roaming with local carriers which are among the most expensive in the world.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Toronto.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown