Niagara Falls is an iconic city known for the large volume of water that flows over it. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Niagara Falls that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Niagara Falls?
You should plan to spend around $146 (CA$203) per day on your vacation in Niagara Falls. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (CA$74) on meals
- $16 (CA$22) on local transportation
- $146 (CA$204) on hotels
A one week trip to Niagara Falls for two people costs, on average, $2,040 (CA$2,842). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,020
CA$1,421
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,040
CA$2,842
-
One Month
Per person
$4,371
CA$6,090
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,040
CA$2,842
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,080
CA$5,684
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,743
CA$12,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Niagara Falls cost?
A one week trip to Niagara Falls usually costs around $1,020 (CA$1,421) for one person and $2,040 (CA$2,842) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Niagara Falls on average costs around $2,040 (CA$2,842) for one person and $4,080 (CA$5,684) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Niagara Falls will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Niagara Falls on average costs around $4,371 (CA$6,090) for one person and $8,743 (CA$12,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Niagara Falls expensive to visit?
Niagara Falls is a terrific city that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Niagara Falls can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $59 (CA$81) per day, mid-range travelers spend $147 (CA$203) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $382 (CA$528) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Niagara Falls.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Niagara Falls is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Niagara Falls Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Niagara Falls?
The average Niagara Falls trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Niagara Falls travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Niagara Falls cost?
Niagara Falls on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(CA$38)
|
$73
(CA$102)
|
$208
(CA$290)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(CA$8.81)
|
$16
(CA$22)
|
$38
(CA$53)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(CA$30)
|
$53
(CA$74)
|
$126
(CA$176)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(CA$11)
|
$19
(CA$27)
|
$38
(CA$53)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(CA$3-10)
|
$6-17
(CA$8-23)
|
$10-31
(CA$15-44)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Niagara Falls. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $59 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to Niagara Falls typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $147 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Niagara Falls. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Butterfly Manor is a great choice for kids, and Cozy Inn Bed & Breakfast is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Niagara Falls hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $382 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Wine & Charcuterie Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $84 in the off-season and averages $157 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $56 to $244. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Niagara Falls for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $146 (CA$204). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $73 (CA$102) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Niagara Falls include:
- Sterling Inn & Spa starting at $151
- Great Wolf Lodge Resort starting at $228
- Chestnut Inn starting at $122
- Redwood Bed and Breakfast starting at $134
- Butterfly Manor starting at $147
If you want to save on accommodation in Niagara Falls, it has a good public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.
Niagara Falls is known as a family-friendly city, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Niagara Falls
Public transit in Niagara Falls is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There is a bus system through town. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Exploring Niagara Falls is easier in its more walkable areas, allowing you to see many attractions. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (CA$22) per person, per day, on local transportation in Niagara Falls. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Niagara Falls is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
CA$22
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada for $254 details
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York for $138 details
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown for $193 details
How much does it cost to go to Niagara Falls? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Niagara Falls will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Niagara Falls
The cuisine in Niagara Falls is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the city that are worth exploring. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Niagara Falls can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Niagara Falls is $53 (CA$74) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
CA$74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Niagara Falls is around $53 (CA$74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $127. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
There are plenty of restaurants in the area ranging from budget to high end. Many of the budget restaurants serve cafe or pub style food at a reasonable price. If you're on a particularly tight budget, fast food restaurants are often the cheapest, although not best, options available. For a splurge, head to one of the high end steakhouses in the area.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Niagara Falls, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner for $229 details
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls for $106 details
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour for $105 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Niagara Falls
It's understandable that travelers choose Niagara Falls, as it is famous for family-friendly activities, hiking, romance, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Niagara Falls typically cost an average of $19 (CA$27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
CA$27
You'll likely catch your first glimpse of Niagara Falls at Queen Victoria Park, along the Niagara Falls Parkway. This is a garden that has an evening fireworks display during the summer months.
There are several tours and views that you can enjoy while you're in Niagara Falls. The Maid of the Mist is a boat that takes tourists to the foot of the falls. The Journey Behind the Falls is a guided tour that is less crowded than the Maid of the Mist. The White Water Walk is a boardwalk beside the falls and Whirlpool Aero Car is the cable car ride over the falls. Marineland Theme Park is another unique place to visit. It's a water park with dolphins, sea lions, and walrus shows. Skyon Tower offers one of the best views of the falls from the observation deck and revolving restaurant.
Other sights and attractions in the area include the Niagara Skywheel, the Clifton Hill Amusement Area, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, Brick City, Floral clock, Queenston Heights Park, and the IMAX Theatre.
There is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy while you're in the Niagara Falls area. Some of the most interesting include the Winter Festival of Lights, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, taking a helicopter tour, visiting a casino, going to a dinner theater, or visiting one of the several amusement parks in the area.
Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.
A nice way to explore destinations in Niagara Falls is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Guided Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds Tour for $129 details
- Private Custom-Made Niagara Falls Wine, Beer, and Spirits Tour for $292 details
- Waterfront Ride: Outer Harbor History Bike Tour for $66 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Niagara Falls are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Niagara Falls
While Niagara Falls offers some nightlife options, they aren't as bustling as those in other more popular locations. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (CA$16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Niagara Falls per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
CA$16
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Niagara Falls. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- 3 hours Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake for $177 details
- Private Niagara Ice Wine Tour for $292 details
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour for $149 details
Travel cost data last updated: Sep 20, 2024
Traveling in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
Niagara Falls has a population of about 83,000. The city has a humid continental climate that is influenced by it's proximity to water. The winters are cold, with January highs in the low 30s Fahrenheit and lows around 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are warm. Highs in July are in the low 80s Fahrenheit and lows are in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Rain is relatively even throughout the year.
Neighborhoods & Around
Niagara Falls is dominated by the waterfall, which is actually a set of three large waterfalls along Niagara River. The Canadian side of the falls offers the best views of the American and Horseshoe falls. Niagara Parkway and the tourist promenade run along the falls. The area includes observation towers, highrise hotels, casinos, souvenir shops, and much more. As you travel further to the north or south, there are several golf courses and historic sites along the route.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.