Which place is cheaper, Edmonton or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Calgary or Edmonton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Calgary and Edmonton 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: Calgary or Edmonton?
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.
Edmonton
The capital of Alberta, Canada, Edmonton has a population of just over one million people in its metropolitan area. It is also North America's northernmost city of this large size. It's a beautiful place to visit because of the North Saskatchewan River Valley which has over one hundred kilometers of hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and overlooks. The valley has a string of parks which are wonderful to visit. In addition to the beautiful outdoor setting and activities, Edmonton also offers the largest shopping mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall. It's also a city with a lot of culture including a lively theater scene, many different festivals, and no shortage of sporting events that you could attend.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $154Edmonton $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $154, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $179. 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 Calgary and Edmonton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Edmonton $101
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Edmonton
Looking for a hotel in Calgary or Edmonton? 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 and Edmonton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Edmonton $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotels: $63
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $64
- Private Transfer from Fernie to Calgary International Airport: $76
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $87
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $91
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $91
- Departure Private Transfer: Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $108
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $111
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise - Arrival Private Transfer: $115
- Calgary hotel or address to Calgary Airport (YYC) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village Private Round-Trip Transfer: $120
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary Downtown: $121
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:
- Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotels to Edmonton Airport: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Edmonton?
Prices for flights to both Edmonton and Calgary 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 dayCalgary $31Edmonton $16
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$8.10
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
Typical Food Prices in Edmonton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:
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Snacks$7.26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Edmonton $91
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)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ottawa: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
- Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.22
- 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.54
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $21
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $25
- Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- Big Boat Canoe Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Edmonton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Edmonton are as follows:
- Discover the Early History of Strathcona with Historic Walking Tour: $4.48
- Edmonton Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edmonton by Crazy Dash: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- 1-Hour Segway Adventure in Louise McKinney Park: $44
- Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $45
- Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $63
- Summer Sunset Cruise (2Hr Tour): $89
- Romantic Tour Around Edmonton For Couples: $223
- The Best of Edmonton Walking Tour: $224
- Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $232
- Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $259
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Edmonton -
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: $90
Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:
- Edmonton Brewery Tour: $104
When comparing the travel costs between Calgary and Edmonton, we can see that Edmonton 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Calgary Expensive? and Is Edmonton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Edmonton?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Edmonton. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Edmonton, 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.