A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Calgary for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Calgary?

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 Big Sur and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Big Sur and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Big Sur and Calgary are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calgary is known for its museums & sights, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Big Sur different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Big Sur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Calgary?

Calgary is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Big Sur. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Big Sur or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Calgary is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is well known for the beache. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Calgary?

Calgary is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Calgary Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Calgary.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Calgary is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Big Sur or Calgary Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Calgary is a good natural area for couples to visit. 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.

Is Big Sur or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Calgary are good places to visit.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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.

Is Big Sur or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calgary is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Calgary a more walkable city?

Calgary is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Big Sur or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

Couples should spend more time in Big Sur than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Big Sur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Big Sur 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.

One day in Big Sur or Calgary?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area 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 Big Sur or Calgary?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Calgary?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Big Sur or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Sur and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Sur Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.