Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Calgary
Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Brisbane and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Brisbane
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Very walkable
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Brisbane or Calgary?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Brisbane and Calgary are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calgary is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.
How is Brisbane different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Brisbane. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Calgary?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
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.
Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is a coastal 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 Brisbane. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
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 Brisbane or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Brisbane is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
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 Brisbane or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.
Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Brisbane or Calgary Better for Beaches?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for the beache. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
Calgary is not a beach destination.
Is Brisbane or Calgary Better for Hiking?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.
Calgary is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Calgary?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
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 Brisbane or Calgary Better for Families?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Brisbane is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.
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 Brisbane or Calgary Better for Couples?
Brisbane
Calgary
Both Brisbane and Calgary are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.
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 Brisbane or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.
Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Is Brisbane or Calgary Better for Students?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.
Calgary is not popular with students.
Is Brisbane or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane and Calgary both offer good public transit to get you around.
While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.
Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Is Brisbane or Calgary a more walkable city?
Brisbane
Calgary
Brisbane is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable coastal 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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Brisbane?
How long in Brisbane or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brisbane or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brisbane than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Families should spend more time in Brisbane than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Brisbane, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Brisbane than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Brisbane that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Calgary 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 Brisbane.
-
How many days in Brisbane or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayBrisbane 2-3Calgary 1-2
One day in Brisbane or Calgary?
In Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
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 Brisbane or Calgary?
In Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Calgary?
Brisbane 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 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 Brisbane or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. 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.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrisbane $134Calgary $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $134, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $157. 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 Brisbane and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $83Calgary $74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $166Calgary $148
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $18Calgary $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
-
Airtrain to the City$10
-
Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Van: $138
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $214
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $192
- Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $114
- Brisbane Airport to Brisbane Hotels Private Round-Trip Transfer: $72
- Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $56
- Brisbane Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Brisbane city: $42
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $53
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $214
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,209
- Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,289
- Private Transfer to Banff or Canmore: $625
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $530
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $515
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $515
- Lake Louise: Calgary to Lake Louise Private Transfer 1 Way: $478
- Private Shuttle: Airport/Calgary to Canmore/Banff Transfers: $434
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $368
- Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $367
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $299
- Calgary to Lake Louise private group transfer: $297
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Brisbane 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 dayBrisbane $32Calgary $32
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
-
Hamburger Lunch$5.34
-
Cup of Coffee$2.00
-
Chinese Food Lunch$8.34
-
Ice cream$3.67
-
Japanese Meal$14
-
Smoothie$4.33
-
Japanese Soup$7.67
-
Coffee & Muffin$4.67
-
Morning Mint Tea$2.33
-
Veggie Burger & Chips$9.34
-
Bread$1.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $133
- Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $170
- Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $603
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
-
Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.22
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: $82
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brisbane $24Calgary $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- Trevena Glen Farm Animal Experience: $17
- Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $23
- True Crime Tour: $23
- Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
- Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour - Crime Tours Australia | Jack Sim: $24
- Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $24
- Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $24
- Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $27
- Boggo Road Gaol Ghost and Gallows Tour: $31
- Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise on the Brisbane River: $33
- Midday River Sightseeing Cruise: $33
- Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea: $33
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:
- 1 Day tour of Calgary Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake: $75
- /Banff/Canmore/Full Day Tour at Columbia Icefield : $211
- 1 Day Tour of Calgary Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake: $75
- 1 Day Tour of Calgary Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald & Peyto Lake: $172
- 1-Day Banff Guided Tour, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise: $104
- 2 Day Guided Tour in Banff National Park: $299
- 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $700
- Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $75
- Banff Audio Guided Tour from Calgary: $16
- Banff Deep 1 Day Tour in Banff National Park: $141
- Banff Explorer Tour w/ Moraine Lake & Lake Louise | Private: $366
- Best of Banff National Park and Iconic Lakes - Ultimate Day Tour: $108
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrisbane $51Calgary $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
-
Evening at the Bar$10
-
Sixpack of Beer$9.34
-
Guiness Beer$5.67
-
Sixpack of Beer$8.66
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $25
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $51
- Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $67
- Sirromet Wine Tasting And Blending Workshop For 2: $84
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $106
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $108
- Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $108
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $127
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $136
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $136
- Mount Tamborine Deluxe Wine Tasting with Two Course Lunch: $136
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: $84
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brisbane Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Calgary?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.