How much are people in Toronto willing to spend at the CNE?

Crowds have flocked to the return of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for 2026, but with an international trade dispute looming and costs for Toronto locals expected to skyrocket in the months to come, just how much are people willing to spend for a day at the iconic summer fair?

blogTO set out to learn how much dough people are willing to spend at the CNE, and the range was surprisingly wide.

Some people are less worried about the cost of a day than others. One CNE visitor said that they don't usually track their spending, but then backtracked, saying it's "probably time to cut it" after dropping $600.

"It depends on if you want to win a prize," said one CNE-goer, joking that winning big at the midway would probably add on another $200 to $250 to their daily costs.

Others had a more austere plan for their day at the CNE, like one person who said they just bring enough for food and games, giving their range at $60 to $100.

Some don't even plan to spend a cent, like one who, rather relatably, said, "I have no money." 

@blogto What's your budget for the CNE this year? 💸🎢 #CNE #Toronto #YYZ #TorontoTikTok 🎙️ @emm.ohara 🎥 @madisonschuli ♬ original sound - blogTO

The CNE runs Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 at Exhibition Place. How much do you plan to spend on your visit? Let us know in the comments.