A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brasilia vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Brasilia 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 Brasilia and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brasilia

Brasilia is a lively, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brasilia travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Brasilia and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Brasilia or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brasilia than Calgary, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Calgary is more touristy than Brasilia and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Brasilia is popular for its modernist architecture, abundant green space, and planned layout. It is also home to the Cathedral of Brasilia.

How is Brasilia different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brasilia or Calgary?

Brasilia
Calgary

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Brasilia or Calgary.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Brasilia. There are a variety of museums that highlight the city's rich history, modernist architecture, and diverse culture. Notable museums include the Museu Nacional, showcasing contemporary art, and the Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB), which focuses on Brazilian art. The Memorial dos Povos Indígenas offers insight into indigenous cultures, while the Museu do Catetinho takes visitors through the early days of the city’s creation.

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.


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

Brasilia
Calgary

Brasilia is a city 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 Brasilia. The city's food scene is diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine. Since it is home to people from all over Brazil, you can find food from many different regions in one place. Popular dishes include Picanha (Brazilian steak), Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), and Tucunaré na Brasa (grilled fish).

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 Brasilia or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Brasilia
Calgary

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brasilia and Calgary.

Brasilia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is more sophisticated and calm compared to other Brazilian capitals. It's not a party city by traditional standards, but it's ideal for those looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and live music in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, the city might feel quieter, but it's still plenty of fun.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Brasilia or Calgary?

Brasilia
Calgary

Brasilia is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Brasilia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is a mix of modern malls, local markets, and high-end boutiques. The city is home to several large shopping centers, such as Shopping Iguatemi, ParkShopping, and Conjunto Nacional, which feature a variety of international brands, local shops, and food courts. For more traditional items, the Feira da Torre is a popular open-air market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.

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.


Is Brasilia or Calgary Better for Families?

Brasilia
Calgary

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Brasilia. While it doesn't have as many theme parks as some of the other large cities in Brazil, there are a number of activities that families can enjoy. There's the Parque da Cidade, where children can ride bikes and play on playgrounds. There's also Nicolândia, a small amusement park with exciting rides. At the Brasília Zoo, kids can see native animals like jaguars, toucans, and capybaras while learning about Brazil's wildlife. The Planetarium of Brasília is a great spot for young space enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating star shows.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. 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 Brasilia or Calgary Better for Couples?

Brasilia
Calgary

Both Brasilia and Calgary are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Brasilia is a good city for couples to visit. There are sunset boat rides on Paranoá Lake. If you enjoy culture, you can visit the National Museum or admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Brasília. A romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Pontão do Lago Sul is perfect for a night out with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. For nature lovers, a peaceful walk or picnic at Jardim Botânico de Brasília provides a lovely escape from the city.

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.

Is Brasilia or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brasilia
Calgary

Calgary is very good for backpackers. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Calgary is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Brasilia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's fascinating architecture and great green spaces, but the city has limited nightlife and it isn't the most popular destination for backpackers. There are some budget-friendly hostels and public buses that make it possible to explore without spending too much. Though it lacks a strong backpacker scene, Brasília's mix of culture, green spaces, and history makes it an interesting stop for adventurous travelers.


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

Brasilia
Calgary

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brasilia and Calgary.

You'll find some public transit in Brasilia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transit system is relatively limited compared to larger Brazilian cities, but it still offers a few options for getting around. The Metro is an efficient choice for traveling through central areas, with two main lines that connect key neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Plano Piloto. There are also buses that are more comprehensive.

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.

Is Brasilia or Calgary a more walkable city?

Brasilia
Calgary

Brasilia and Calgary both are decent when exploring on foot.

Brasilia is generally not very walkable. The city isn't particularly walkable because it is very spread out.

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 Brasilia Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Brasilia?

How long in Brasilia or Calgary?

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

Families should spend more time in Brasilia than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Brasilia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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


  • How many days in Brasilia or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Brasilia 1-3 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Brasilia or Calgary?

In Brasilia, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

The city of Calgary offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Brasilia or Calgary?

In Brasilia, you'll find food 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 Brasilia has to offer.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brasilia or Calgary?

Brasilia 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brasilia or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brasilia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brasilia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Brazil, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Brasilia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Brasilia is $93, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $168. 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 Brasilia and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brasilia $31
    Calgary $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brasilia $62
    Calgary $138
Compare Hotels in Brasilia and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Brasilia 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.

Hotels in Brasilia


Hotels in Calgary


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: Brasilia Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brasilia $19
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $60
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury SUV: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $124
  • Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $349
  • Banff/Canmore to Calgary or YYC Airport Private Transfer: $206
  • Banff: Private Transfer to Calgary Airport or Calgary: $108
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $215
  • Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $42
  • Calgary Airport to Canmore or Kananaskis | Private Transfer: $120
  • Calgary Airport to Canmore | Private Transfer: $174
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Brasilia or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Brasilia 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 day
    Brasilia $48
    Calgary $51

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $7.67

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: $78
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brasilia $17
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Brasilia

Here are a few actual costs in Brasilia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brasilia : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $57

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)
    $21

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.89
  • Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.89
  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.90
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.72
  • Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $14
  • Fun Selfie Experience in Calgary: $14
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
  • Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $25
  • Sheep & Spirits: Diamond Valley Hiking Experience: $47
  • 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour: $48
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • 3.5-Hour Bus City Tour with Gasoline Alley Museum: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brasilia $13
    Calgary $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Calgary Bar Crawl: Cruisin' Calgary: $12
  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $80


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

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


Which is Bigger, Brasilia or Calgary?

Brasilia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Brasilia 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.