Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Calgary or Niagara Falls?
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 Niagara Falls 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.
Calgary
Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Niagara Falls travel costs.
Calgary and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less family-friendly
Niagara Falls
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Niagara Falls than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Niagara Falls is better known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calgary is more popular for its museums and attractions. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Calgary and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. Also, Niagara Falls is famous for the Journey Behind the Falls. Calgary is well known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.
How is Calgary different from Niagara Falls?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Niagara Falls and Calgary. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Calgary is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.
Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.
Is the Food Better in Calgary or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.
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 Calgary or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calgary and Niagara Falls.
Calgary has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
If you're looking for night time activities Niagara Falls has a few options to choose from. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.
Is Calgary or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.
You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.
Calgary is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Shopping is a popular activity in both Niagara Falls and Calgary.
Calgary offers some nice shopping areas. 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.
Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.
Is Calgary or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.
Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Calgary or Niagara Falls Better for Families?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Niagara Falls is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.
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 Calgary or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Niagara Falls frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.
Calgary is a good city 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 Calgary or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Calgary and Niagara Falls are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Calgary is a good city to visit for backpackers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Plenty of backpackers visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.
Is Calgary or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calgary and Niagara Falls.
You'll find some public transit in Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.
Is Calgary or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?
Calgary
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.
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 Calgary Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Calgary?
How long in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Calgary and Niagara Falls. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Niagara Falls than in Calgary. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Calgary, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.
Families should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Niagara Falls, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Niagara Falls that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
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How many days in Calgary or Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of StayCalgary 1-2Niagara Falls 2-3
One day in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the local destination of Calgary. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.
In Niagara Falls, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.
In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife and 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 Niagara Falls has to offer.
Five days in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the western destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.
A week in Calgary or Niagara Falls?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Calgary. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 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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Calgary Prices
Canada PricesNiagara Falls Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $176Niagara Falls $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $176, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $146. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Niagara Falls $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Niagara Falls $146
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Calgary or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Niagara Falls $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $43
- From Bus Transfer to Banff: $68
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $69
- Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $72
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $87
- Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $87
- Calgary hotel or address to Calgary Airport (YYC) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $109
- Private Transfer within Calgary from Airport or Hotels: $110
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $114
- Departure Private Transfer: Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $114
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $85
- Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $277
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $101
- Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
- Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851
- Niagara Falls to Pearson Toronto Airport Private Transfer: $275
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Buffalo, NY: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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 $53Niagara Falls $53
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$8.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $62
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $128
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in St. Catharines: $106
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $140
- Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $164
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $168
- Dinner on Top of the Skylon Tower with a legendary view!: $187
- Dinner on Top of the Skylon Tower with a legendary view!: $190
- Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $195
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $198
- Niagara Falls Canada: Small Group Night Tour w/Boat & Dinner: $216
- Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $229
- Night on Niagara Small Group Tour w/Fireworks Boat Cruise +Dinner: $241
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Niagara Falls $19
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:
- Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.06
- Explore the Stampede City with Walking Tours in Calgary: $6.60
- Calgary's Beltline District: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.60
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.60
- Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.24
- Discover Calgary with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
- Moraine Lake Lake Louise Emerald Lake Banff and Yoho Tours: $15
- Fun Selfie Experience in Calgary: $18
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $29
- Victoria Park Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
- The Connaught Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.80
- Niagara Falls Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater with Popcorn: $11
- Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket with Popcorn: $12
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara Falls Climbing and Ziplining Adventure Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $17
- Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $17
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $18
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Canadiana Musical Show Ticket: $19
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Adventure Theater & SkyWheel Combo: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Niagara Falls $11
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: $82
- Brewery Tour: $87
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $88
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
- Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $62
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $95
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $117
- Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $121
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $123
- Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $146
- Brewery & Distillery Tour (Craft Beer, Spirits, and Cocktails): $146
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $147
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $150
- Guided Wine Tour through the Niagara Wine Trail: $160
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calgary and Niagara Falls, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Calgary Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Niagara Falls?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Niagara Falls, 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.