Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Calgary or Saskatoon?
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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?
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.
Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a city straddling the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatchewan, Canada. Saskatoon is full of hidden treasures. Head into the downtown core and inner neighborhoods to get the best feel of this vibrant city. The majestic South Saskatchewan River winds through downtown, offering beautiful, natural diversions. Beautiful parks and riverside walks help you make the most out of long, sunny summer days. There are plenty of great spots to stop for a refreshing drink and a chat with locals. Saskatoon also has a proud heritage of local rock and country music and a vibrant live-music scene. If you only have time for one Saskatchewan stop, Saskatoon might just be the place for you.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $154Saskatoon $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $154, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $126. 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 Saskatoon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Saskatoon $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Saskatoon
Looking for a hotel in Calgary or Saskatoon? 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 Saskatoon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Saskatoon $32
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Saskatoon?
Prices for flights to both Saskatoon 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
-
Food Meals for one dayCalgary $31Saskatoon $31
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
-
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Saskatoon $17
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:
- 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 Saskatoon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saskatoon are as follows:
- Donna Birkmaier Park Birding and Walking Tour: $55
- Birdwatching Tour in President Murray Park: $69
- Dancing Grouse Photography Tour: $400
- Saskatoon, Canada: 8-hour tour to view Whooping Cranes: $683
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Saskatoon $9.61
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calgary and Saskatoon, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Calgary Expensive? and Is Saskatoon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Saskatoon?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saskatoon. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Saskatoon, 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.