Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Banff?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Banff or Vancouver? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Nestled in the pristine and gorgeous mountains of the Alberta Rockies is the popular town of Banff. This town sits right in Canada's Banff National Park and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
While the surrounding nature may give the impression of a quiet, little town, Banff is typically crowded with tourists. The beauty of this area is irresistible for travelers from all over the world. This may not be the place for solitude or even an authentic, country experience, you'll still find an unforgettable vacation.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Banff is $84, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. 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 Banff and Vancouver in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Banff 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Banff:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Banff 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Banff are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Banff.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Banff are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Banff are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Banff and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. And not only is Banff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banff and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver than you might in Banff.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Banff Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Banff 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.