Which place is cheaper, Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver 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 western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Vancouver travel costs.
Calgary and Vancouver: Pros and Cons
Calgary
Pros- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Vancouver
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Fun shopping
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Calgary or Vancouver?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver than Calgary. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Vancouver is famous for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park.
How is Calgary different from Vancouver?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
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 Calgary or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.
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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
Vancouver is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.
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 Calgary or Vancouver Better for Hiking?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.
Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.
Calgary is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Calgary or Vancouver?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.
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 Calgary or Vancouver More Beautiful?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.
Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Calgary or Vancouver Better for Families?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Vancouver is a very kid-friendly city. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.
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 Vancouver Better for Couples?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.
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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.
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 Calgary or Vancouver Better for Students?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.
Calgary is not popular with students.
Is Calgary or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.
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 Calgary or Vancouver a more walkable city?
Calgary
Vancouver
Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.
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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Calgary?
How long in Calgary or Vancouver?
In either Calgary or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Calgary because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Calgary, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.
Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Vancouver, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Vancouver than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vancouver that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
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How many days in Calgary or Vancouver? Ideal Length of StayCalgary 1-2Vancouver 3-5
One day in Calgary or Vancouver?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calgary. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Vancouver?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calgary. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Calgary or Vancouver?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the western city of Calgary. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Vancouver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Calgary or Vancouver?
Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. 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 PricesVancouver Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $177Vancouver $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $177, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Calgary or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Vancouver $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,153
- Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,256
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Jasper: $861
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $517
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $502
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $502
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $359
- Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $251
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $222
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $215
- Calgary YYC Airport to Banff Canmore Private Transfer: $215
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.35
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.71
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vancouver Cruise Ship to/from YVR Airport.Hotel Private Transfer: $221
- Arrival Private Transfer from Vancouver YVR or Cruise Port to Vancouver by SUV: $125
- Canada Cruise Port to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Private Transfer: $121
- Canada Place Cruise Port to Vancouver Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- Canada Place Cruise Port to Vancouver hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Departure Private Transfer Vancouver to Vancouver YVR or Cruise Port by Minibus: $151
- Departure Private Transfer Vancouver to YVR Airport or Cruise Port- Business Car: $87
- Departure Private Transfer from Vancouver to Vancouver YVR or Cruise Port by SUV: $103
- Departure Private Transfer: Vancouver to Vancouver Airport YVR in Luxury Car: $179
- Departure Private Transfer: Vancouver to Vancouver Airport YVR in Luxury SUV: $147
- Group Transfer to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR): $33
- Private Airport Transfer from Vancouver Airport to Downtown Hotel: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 $54Vancouver $54
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.
- Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
- Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
- Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
- Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
- Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
- Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
- Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
- Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Vancouver $36
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:
- 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour : $132
- 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
- 2-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Columbia Icefield Rockies Tour: $80
- 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour : $242
- 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $682
- Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $257
- Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine: $121
- Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $537
- Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls and Three Lakes tour: $74
- Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary: $88
- Banff Johnston Canyon and Banff Gondola 1 Day Tour from Calgary: $118
- Banff Mountain Adventure with Hiking and Canoeing Options: $116
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $3.58
- Gratuity-Based Vancouver City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $4.00
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.66
- Stanley Park Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.32
- Discover Stanley Park: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.65
- Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.17
- Spy Escape in Outdoor Puzzle Adventure: $7.20
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.39
- Ticket to Immersive Museum in Chinatown: $8.87
- Vancouver Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Underground Comedy Club Entry Ticket: $11
- Vancouver to Kamloops Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $88
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
- Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
- North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169
When comparing the travel costs between Calgary and Vancouver, we can see that Calgary 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 Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Vancouver, 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.