Edmonton is a friendly city known for its many festivals and lively personality. 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.
How much does it cost to travel to Edmonton?
A typical traveler spends $191 (CA$263) per day on a trip to Edmonton. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Edmonton based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $27 (CA$38) on meals
- $79 (CA$109) on local transportation
- $203 (CA$279) on hotels
A one-week trip to Edmonton for two people costs, on average, $2,672 (CA$3,682). 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
$1,336
CA$1,841
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,672
CA$3,682
-
One Month
Per person
$5,725
CA$7,890
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,672
CA$3,682
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,343
CA$7,364
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,450
CA$15,780
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Edmonton cost?
A one week trip to Edmonton usually costs around $1,336 (CA$1,841) for one person and $2,672 (CA$3,682) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Edmonton on average costs around $2,672 (CA$3,682) for one person and $5,343 (CA$7,364) 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 Edmonton will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Edmonton on average costs around $5,725 (CA$7,890) for one person and $11,450 (CA$15,780) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Edmonton expensive to visit?
In Edmonton, budget travelers spend $91 (CA$125) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $191 (CA$263) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $421 (CA$581) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Edmonton.
Edmonton is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Edmonton can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including taking public transit and looking for discounts and coupons.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Edmonton is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Santa Fe or Cody, Wyoming.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Edmonton Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Edmonton?
The average Edmonton trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Edmonton travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Edmonton cost?
Edmonton on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
(CA$56)
|
$101
(CA$140)
|
$249
(CA$344)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$34
(CA$46)
|
$79
(CA$109)
|
$163
(CA$225)
|
|
Food2
|
$11
(CA$15)
|
$27
(CA$38)
|
$68
(CA$93)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$91
(CA$125)
|
$91
(CA$125)
|
$91
(CA$125)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Edmonton cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $91 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Edmonton is home to plenty of hostels, including HI Edmonton. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Edmonton will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $191 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Edmonton. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Courtyard Edmonton West is a good kid-friendly option, and Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton Gateway is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Edmonton here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $421 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Edmonton Airport to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Edmonton
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Edmonton can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Edmonton in the off-season is $88, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $164. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Edmonton to range from $68 to $224. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Edmonton for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $203 (CA$279). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $101 (CA$140) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Edmonton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Edmonton include:
- Varscona Hotel on Whyte starting at $116
- The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald starting at $178
- Matrix Hotel starting at $110
- Continental Inn & Suites starting at $74
- Staybridge Suites West Edmonton an IHG Hotel starting at $110
Staying further from the city in Edmonton could save you money with the help of a good public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
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Transportation Budget in Edmonton
Edmonton offers a decent public transit system that reaches many must-see spots. The city has both bus and light rail systems. For a cheaper and quicker way to explore, public transit is a solid option when it's nearby. Taxis and rideshares are also plentiful in the city.
In some areas, Edmonton is relatively walkable, allowing you to enjoy the sights with ease. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $79 (CA$109) per person, per day, on local transportation in Edmonton. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Edmonton is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$79
CA$109
The oldest part of the city is laid out like a grid. The streets are straight and it is easy to orient yourself. The city has a relatively reliable and inexpensive public transit system. There are hundreds of buses that travel on different routes throughout the city. You can use buses to access most destinations. They travel most frequently, every fifteen minutes, during peak hours, and then the frequency drops to every half hour. The city also has a light rail system. The line runs from Clareview Station in the northeast to Century Park Station passing by the University of Alberta's main and south campuses.
Edmonton Airport has flights to major cities around the world. The airport is located on the south side of the city and has several public transportation options, as well as private shuttle services. If you are looking for private transportation while in the area, you can rent limousines in Edmonton from AM PM Limo starting at $99.
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) for $121 details
- Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels for $121 details
- Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer for $121 details
How much does it cost to go to Edmonton? 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 Edmonton 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 Edmonton
Food choices in Edmonton are few and not the best. It's advisable to save your money for experiences that offer more value than dining out. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Edmonton can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Edmonton is $27 (CA$38) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
CA$38
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Edmonton is around $27 (CA$38) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $68. 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 Edmonton are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Dining in Edmonton is relatively diverse, but you'll find most of the restaurants in one of two areas. The downtown area has both chain and local restaurants and is a good place to explore if you're looking for interesting food. Also head to Whyte Avenue which has some interesting restaurants. West Edmonton Mall is another good place to hit up for a meal.
There is a diversity of food options with a good representation of ethnic cuisines. Options include Ethiopian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Italian, among many others.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Edmonton, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Refined Indian Cooking Class in Edmonton (Includes 4-Course Meal) for $85 details
Typical food prices in Edmonton, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Edmonton
Tourists can't resist Edmonton, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Edmonton typically cost an average of $91 (CA$125) 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.
$91
CA$125
Some of the more popular sights around town include the Alberta Legislature, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum, Fort Edmonton Park, Elk Island National Park of Canada, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, and seeing the Aurora Borealis or northern lights.
Elk Island National park has the highest density of hoofed mammals per square km for any wild area, with the exception of the Serengeti Plains of Africa. The park is 20 minutes to the east of the city and is a great place to see wood bison, elk and moose. There are also more than 250 species of birds.
Another interesting place to visit is the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. It's located about 25 minutes east of the city and is near the Elk Island National Park. This is a historic site that highlights Ukrainian settlements in East Central Alberta. The site has more than 30 historic buildings including three churches, a grain elevator, a blacksmith shop and a sod hut.
During the summer months, Edmonton hosts a wide variety of festivals. The city has a lively performing arts scene and there are many hiking trails and natural areas that you can explore in the nearby areas. Hiking, biking, and cross country skiing are all popular activities. During the summer months there are also a decent number of golf courses that you can play on. There are three public courses in the city limits and several outside of town as well.
Museums and Attractions:
Edmonton is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.
Shopping:
Shopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Edmonton. 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:
- Edmonton Food Bike Tour for $148 details
- Summer Sunset Cruise (2Hr Tour) for $88 details
- Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place for $32 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 9, 2025
Traveling in Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
The capital of Alberta, Canada, Edmonton has a population of just over one million people in its metropolitan area. It is also North America's northernmost city of this large size. It's a beautiful place to visit because of the North Saskatchewan River Valley which has over one hundred kilometers of hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and overlooks. The valley has a string of parks which are wonderful to visit. In addition to the beautiful outdoor setting and activities, Edmonton also offers the largest shopping mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall. It's also a city with a lot of culture including a lively theater scene, many different festivals, and no shortage of sporting events that you could attend.
Edmonton has a humid continental climate. There is relatively little precipitation and the winters are milder than more southern cities such as Regina or Winnipeg. In January, temperatures average about 13 degrees Fahrenheit and in July they average about 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Neighborhoods & Around
Edmonton has several different districts, each of which has its own character. Central Edmonton is the oldest part of the city and has the glitzy skyscrapers and many of the city's attractions. South Central Edmonton has more of a college vibe as it is where the University of Alberta is located. The West End has the West Edmonton Mall and is the area to go for shopping.
Hotels are spread throughout the city but you'll find the highest concentration of budget options on either the south side of the city or in the deep east central area. There are also some budget hotels further out in the suburbs.
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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.