Travel Budget for Vancouver Visit Vancouver on a Budget or Travel in Style

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
North America / Canada / British Columbia /
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Vancouver is a diverse city known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. 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. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Vancouver, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Vancouver?

You should plan to spend around $156 (CA$225) per day on your vacation in Vancouver. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $51 (CA$74) on meals
  • $11 (CA$16) on local transportation
  • $165 (CA$239) on hotels

A one week trip to Vancouver for two people costs, on average, $2,184 (CA$3,150). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $156
    CA$225
  • One Week Per person
    $1,092
    CA$1,575
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,184
    CA$3,150
  • One Month Per person
    $4,679
    CA$6,750
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,184
    CA$3,150
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,367
    CA$6,300
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,358
    CA$13,500
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Vancouver cost?

A one week trip to Vancouver usually costs around $1,092 (CA$1,575) for one person and $2,184 (CA$3,150) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Vancouver on average costs around $2,184 (CA$3,150) for one person and $4,367 (CA$6,300) 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 Vancouver will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Vancouver on average costs around $4,679 (CA$6,750) for one person and $9,358 (CA$13,500) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Vancouver expensive to visit?

Vancouver is a vibrant city teeming with activities and adventures. Whether you're a frugal traveler or someone ready to splurge, you'll find your niche in this dynamic place. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Vancouver can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $57 (CA$82) per day, mid-range travelers spend $157 (CA$225) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $473 (CA$678) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Vancouver.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Vancouver 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 Vancouver Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Vancouver?

The average Vancouver trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Vancouver travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Vancouver cost?

Vancouver on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$30
(CA$43) 		$83
(CA$119) 		$249
(CA$360)
Local Transportation 1 $5
(CA$6.65) 		$11
(CA$16) 		$26
(CA$38)
Food 2 $18
(CA$26) 		$51
(CA$74) 		$160
(CA$231)
Entertainment 1 $12
(CA$17) 		$34
(CA$50) 		$110
(CA$158)
Alcohol 2 $3-9
(CA$4-12) 		$7-22
(CA$11-32) 		$20-60
(CA$29-87)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Vancouver with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $57 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Vancouver, such as HI Vancouver Downtown and HI Vancouver Jericho Beach. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. In addition, the city features a fantastic public transit system that helps budget-conscious travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. The culinary scene is also a highlight for everyone in Vancouver, but budget travelers tend to eat street food or make their own meals in hostels, potentially missing out on the rich flavors of the local cuisine.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Vancouver wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $157 per person, per day.

Vancouver offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Loden Vancouver is an excellent choice, while L'Hermitage Hotel is also a great option. For a romantic escape in Vancouver, couples should check out Loden Vancouver. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Vancouver.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $473. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Vancouver City Finest Private Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Vancouver

In Vancouver, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $160 and peak summer season rising to an average of $299. Prices typically range from $102 to $474, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Vancouver for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $165 (CA$239). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $83 (CA$119) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $83
    CA$119
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $165
    CA$239

Hotels in Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Vancouver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Vancouver

The average hotel room price in Vancouver based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $160 in the low season and $299 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Vancouver include:

  • Loden Vancouver starting at $239
  • L'Hermitage Hotel starting at $231
  • Opus Hotel starting at $260
  • Hotel BLU Vancouver starting at $181
  • Embarc Vancouver starting at $284
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Vancouver

Being a large city, Vancouver has plenty of lodging choices available. From budget-friendly hostels such as HI Vancouver Downtown to vacation rentals and high-end hotels, you have options. Keep in mind that staying in the city center usually means higher rates, but you'll be close to public transit and attractions.

Vancouver has an excellent public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.

In a family-friendly place like Vancouver, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children. In a city this big, it's common to find rooms that are a bit small and cramped.

Luxury hotels in Vancouver are a top choice for honeymooners, and there are great options like Loden Vancouver, Opus Hotel, and Hotel BLU Vancouver.

Visitors often spend a week in Vancouver. If you're planning to stay for a while, consider getting a vacation rental with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.

If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.

Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Vancouver, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Vancouver

Getting around in Vancouver, a big city, is essential, and the good news is that Vancouver offers excellent public transportation. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system. For budget-conscious travelers, public transit is a great option, though taxis and rideshares are always an option if you need them.

Anyone who likes to wander around on foot will appreciate their time here. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (excellent)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (excellent)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $11 (CA$16) per person, per day, on local transportation in Vancouver. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Vancouver is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $11
    CA$16

Transportation Tips

If public transportation is in your plans often, be sure to take advantage of multi-day transit passes for savings.

Keep an eye out for pickpockets while using the buses and trains, especially in the stations. After all, Vancouver is a large city.

If hiking is on your agenda, it's essential to figure out how to reach the trail, as public transit may not lead you there.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Vancouver Airport YVR or Train Stn Transfer to Vancouver for $163 details
  • Private Transfer from Richmond to Canada Place Cruise Terminal for $184 details
  • Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Vancouver hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer for $200 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Vancouver
How much does it cost to go to Vancouver? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Vancouver
The price of renting a car in Vancouver 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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Vancouver?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in Vancouver, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    CA$8.75
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    CA$29
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    CA$12
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    CA$9.00


Food Budget in Vancouver

The culinary delights in Vancouver are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Vancouver can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Vancouver is $51 (CA$74) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $51
    CA$74

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vancouver is around $52 (CA$74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $161. 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 Vancouver are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $15
  • Lunch: $8 to $21
  • Dinner: $15 to $36
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $8

Dining in Vancouver is an experience in and of itself. You'll find a range of restaurants that are wonderful and include many different ethnic options. If you're looking for a cheap bite to eat, at lunch you can enjoy "all you can eat" sushi places for around twelve dollars. Street food has also taken off in recent years. There are food carts and trucks around the downtown area that offer unique and affordable options. There's also no shortage of seafood throughout the city, but be warned that prices can vary dramatically. It is best to avoid the touristy areas where prices are much higher, while quality is dramatically lower.

There's a large number of restaurants in Kitsilano or the West End. High end restaurants are concentrated in the central business district along Robson Street. There are also some great options within the nicer hotels. For ethnic restaurants head to East Van. Dim sum is a popular option in Vancouver. The city has some of the best dim sum restaurants in the world and reservations are recommended.

Food & Dining Tips

Eating at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to save money. Many dining venues in tourist areas or business centers feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often smaller and cheaper versions of the dinner menu. If you're willing to search, you might discover a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price. For dinner, you can just enjoy a light meal.

When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Save some money and appreciate the beautiful scenery by having a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic spot for your meal.

Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Vancouver. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Downtown Asian Eats VIP Food Tour by Vancouver Foodie Tours for $138 details
  • Vancouver Jetski Tour with Dinner on Bowen Island for $297 details
  • Private Historical Food Tour of Gastown for $103 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Vancouver?

Listed below are typical food prices in Vancouver, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    CA$12


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Vancouver

It's easy to see why people visit Vancouver, given its museums and attractions, hiking, romance, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Vancouver typically cost an average of $34 (CA$50) 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.
    $34
    CA$50

Vancouver is a city that's fun to explore. The city is quite beautiful and the neighborhoods are unique and diverse. If you're looking for specific sights and attractions, there are a good number of cultural or outdoor places that you can visit. Popular attractions around town include the Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Public Library, the Contemporary Art Gallery, the Telus World of Science, the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the Vancouver Aquarium. Canada Place, the Marine Building, and the old luxury railway hotel of the Hotel Vancouver all have interesting architecture. Interesting parks and gardens include Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and UBC Botanical Garden.



Vancouver is a city where people love to be outdoors. There are any number of places where you can walk, run, or rollerblade. There are also a large number of cyclists in the city, and the design is very inviting for bicyclists. If you head outside of the city you'll find a number of places that are popular for skiing or snowboarding as well. And if you have a few days, check out this great two-day itinerary for Vancouver.

If you'd like to attend a sporting event your options include hockey, Canadian football, soccer, baseball, and even roller derby.

Famous festivals in the city include Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, EAT! Vancouver, the Vancouver International Film Festival, Theatre Under the Stars, and Khatsalano Music and Arts Festival.

And if you're looking to get away from the city for a little while, plenty of destinations await. Grouse Mountain, Victoria, and Whistler are a few of the more popular places. For more ideas, see this list of day trips from Vancouver.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Vancouver for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Hiking:
Discovering the hiking trails around Vancouver is a delight. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

A nice way to explore destinations in Vancouver 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:

  • The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada for $27 details
  • Ancient Trees of Vancouver Walking Tour for $53 details
  • Sailing Experience on a 50’ sailboat for $106 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Vancouver

The nightlife scene in Vancouver is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $15 (CA$22) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Vancouver per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $15
    CA$22
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Vancouver. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting for $167 details
  • Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour for $166 details
  • Elegance Unforgettable Tesla Wine Tour & Lunch for $231 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Nov 23, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Vancouver

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of summer. To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Vancouver is sizable, so you can typically find a range of prices for everything from hotels to food and activities. To cut costs, shop around, make reservations in advance, and take advantage of free entertainment.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can help you save money, giving you a chance to appreciate the stunning surroundings while you unwind. Packing your days with too many activities often leads to higher expenses. On the other hand, slowing down can lead to lower costs and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you're journeying with small children, you'll likely prefer a private vehicle or taxi. It can often be a lot easier to bypass the difficulties of public transit, though it will cost you a little more.
  • Vancouver isn't known for its hostels, so if you're banking on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your travel plans. A budget hotel or apartment rental could work better for you.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Vancouver.

Why would you recommend Vancouver to budget travelers? Or, why not?

There are actually tons of backpackers that visit Vancouver so you'll find plenty of options like hostels or even camping outside of the city.

backcountry_explorer
-
Nov 19 2023

What makes Vancouver a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

We spent most of our time exploring the city, so we didn't spend a ton on entertainment. The neighborhoods and parks a fun to wander around and we ate in Chinatown which was excellent.

sarah_d_51
-
Dec 8 2023
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Traveling in Vancouver
Vancouver Vancouver Skyline at Night

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.

Vancouver's climate is temperatue and oceanic. It is Canada's warmest city during the winter months and one of the coolest during the summer months. Summer highs are in the low to mid 70s Fahrenheit and winter lows hover around freezing. The summer season is dry while the winter season can be very damp. There are about 11 snow days a year, but snow does not linger long.



Neighborhoods & Around

The city itself is divided into three main districts: downtown, the westside and east van. The downtown area is where you will likely spend most of your time as a tourist. It has most of the city's attractions, the most architecturally beautiful buildings, and restaurants and shopping that is world class. You'll also find neighborhoods here such as Chinatown, and Stanley Park.

Westside is another popular destination because of it's markets on Granville Island, the beaches around town, and the many museums and restaurants.

East Van is a predominantly residential district. You'll find a large number of ethnic restaurants along Commercial Drive. The area also has a very artsy and eclectic vibe with plenty of independent coffee shops.

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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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