Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Auckland or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Vancouver?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
Vancouver
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $141Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Auckland and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $89Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $178Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Vancouver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auckland Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.62
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Private Transfer to Downtown hotels: $353
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Transfer to North Shore hotels: $327
- From One-Way Transfer to Rotorua w/ Hobbiton Tour: $180
- Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $151
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $145
- Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $145
- Private Luxury Transfers from Auckland Airport TO Auckland Hotels: $145
- Luxury Airport transfers in Auckland : $139
- Luxury Airport Transfers Auckland : $133
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $130
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer to North Shore or Henderson: $121
- Auckland City to Auckland Airport transfers : $121
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.40
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.78
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yvr Airport to Whistler and Whistler to Yvr Airport transfers: $111
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver and Tofino: $248
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $108
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Vancouver hotels to Canada Place Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Auckland change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAuckland $27Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $94
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $153
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $28Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $66
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $241
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $112
- All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $48
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour small group : $115
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $66
- Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour: $207
- Auckland City Highlights Experience - Fully Guided Small Group Day Tour: $196
- Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $95
- Auckland City Highlights and Hidden Gems Half Day Tour: $109
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,413
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,413
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $710
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $837
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $14Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $139
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $165
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Vancouver is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Vancouver, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Auckland or Vancouver?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Vancouver has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Vancouverin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Vancouverin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
Auckland is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.
In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Vancouverin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Vancouverin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F)in January.
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives less rain than Vancouverin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In October, Auckland is generally much warmer than Vancouverin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Vancouverin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in October than Vancouverin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Auckland
| Auckland | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.