Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beijing or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Calgary can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Beijing or Calgary?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $77Calgary $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $156. 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 Beijing and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Calgary $74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Calgary $148
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Calgary? 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: Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.63Calgary $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.71
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.90
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.28
-
2 Metro Passes$2.21
-
Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $30
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $108
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $128
- Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $365
- Banff to Calgary Airport | Private Transfer: $190
- Calgary Air to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $295
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Banff | Private Transfer: $185
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $235
- Calgary Airport to Banff Thermal Resorts Private Arrival Transfer: $139
- Calgary Airport to Banff | Private Transfer: $190
- Calgary Airport to Canmore | Private Transfer: $177
- Calgary Airport to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $147
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Beijing 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBeijing $21Calgary $31
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.83
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
-
Watermelon$1.93
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Deal 20% off Beijing Nango HotSpring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
-
Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Calgary $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
-
Two Opera Tickets$59
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Hutongs Free Walking Tour : $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Panda House+City Attractions or Mutianyu Day Tour: $7.19
- Temple of Heaven Ticket: $7.90
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.19
- 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
- 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $22
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $26
- Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- Sheep & Spirits: Diamond Valley Hiking Experience: $39
- 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour: $45
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Calgary $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $162
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Calgary is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Calgary?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Calgary, 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.
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.