Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Belfast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belfast or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Calgary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Belfast
Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.
Calgary
Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.
Belfast and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Belfast
Pros- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for students
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Is there more to do in Belfast or Calgary?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Belfast than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Belfast, Belfast has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its big city activities, while Calgary attracts visitors for its museums. Calgary is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle.
How is Belfast different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Calgary?
Belfast
Calgary
Calgary is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.
Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Belfast or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Belfast
Calgary
Dining out at restaurants in both Belfast and Calgary can be an enjoyable experience.
Belfast offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Calgary. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.
Is Belfast or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Belfast
Calgary
Both Belfast and Calgary are nice when it comes to partying.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Calgary?
Belfast
Calgary
Both Belfast and Calgary are nice shopping destinations.
Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Calgary. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.
Is Belfast or Calgary Better for Families?
Belfast
Calgary
Belfast and Calgary are both nice destinations for the whole family.
Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.
Calgary is a family-friendly city. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.
Is Belfast or Calgary Better for Couples?
Belfast
Calgary
Calgary is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.
Calgary is a nice destination for couples. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.
Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.
Is Belfast or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Belfast
Calgary
Calgary is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.
It's common for backpackers to visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.
Is Belfast or Calgary Better for Students?
Belfast
Calgary
Belfast is a city with good options for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.
Belfast is popular with students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.
Calgary is not popular with students.
Is Belfast or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Belfast
Calgary
Calgary is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.
Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.
Is Belfast or Calgary a more walkable city?
Belfast
Calgary
Belfast is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.
For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Belfast?
How long in Belfast or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Belfast or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Belfast than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Couples should spend more time in Calgary than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Calgary that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Belfast if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Calgary.
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How many days in Belfast or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayBelfast 1-3Calgary 1-2
One day in Belfast or Calgary?
In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Calgary, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A weekend in Belfast or Calgary?
In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer.
In Calgary, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer.
Five days in Belfast or Calgary?
Belfast is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Calgary is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Belfast or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calgary. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelfast £133Calgary £120
The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Calgary is £120. 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 Belfast and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelfast £68Calgary £57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelfast £136Calgary £114
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belfast £14Calgary £9.69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Business Car: $98
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $109
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $150
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Belfast Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $111
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $60
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Departure Private Transfer Belfast to Belfast Airport BHD or BFS by Business Car: $94
- Departure Private Transfer Belfast to Belfast Airport BHD or BFS by Luxury Car: $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village : $61
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotels: $64
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $67
- Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $73
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $77
- Private Transfer from YYC Airport to Kicking Horse or Panorama: $77
- Calgary Int Airport (YYC) to Fernie - Arrival Private Transfer: $77
- Private Transfer from Fernie to Calgary International Airport: $77
- One-Way Private Airport Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport: $80
- Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $87
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $87
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Belfast 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 dayBelfast £51Calgary £24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $97
- Craft Beer and Food Tour of Belfast: $98
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $112
- The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $116
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese£6.29
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belfast £18Calgary £12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets£8.00
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Heart of the City Audio Walking Tour: $5.99
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $7.16
- Haunted Quest Experience in Belfast: $7.18
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $16
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $16
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $19
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $20
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)£17
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Calgary Tips-Based Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
- Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.09
- Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.09
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.91
- Calgary's Beltline District: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.91
- Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $6.55
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Discover Calgary with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
- Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $23
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $25
- Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelfast £7.86Calgary £8.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $19
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $20
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $71
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $123
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
When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Calgary, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast is in Europe and Calgary 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belfast or Calgary?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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.