Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Calgary or Winnipeg?
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 Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?
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.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Its heart is The Forks, a historic site at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, with warehouses converted to shops and restaurants, plus ample green space dedicated to festivals, concerts and exhibits. Nearby, the Exchange District is known for its well-preserved, early 20th-century architecture and numerous art galleries. Rising above the prairie, Winnipeg is a metropolis where you least expect it. Cultured, confident and captivating, it’s more than just a pit stop on the Trans-Canada haul, but a destination in its own right, with a couple of world-class museums and a wonderfully diverse dining scene.
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 $154Winnipeg $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $154, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $251. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Winnipeg $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Winnipeg
Looking for a hotel in Calgary or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Winnipeg -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- From Icefields Parkway Route Tour w/Hotel Transfers: $730
- Private Transfer to Banff or Canmore: $621
- From Private Transfer to Lake Louise: $584
- From Calgary Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Banff: $511
- Lake Louise: Calgary to Lake Louise Private Transfer 1 Way: $474
- From Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Banff by Tesla: $365
- Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $365
- Private Calgary to Banff One-way Transfer in Luxury Car: $296
- Calgary Air to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $295
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Banff Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $277
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Field - Roundtrip Transfer: $251
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $235
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg
Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $61
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport: $61
- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
- Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
- Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Arrivals Private Transfer from Richardson Airport: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Winnipeg?
Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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 $31Winnipeg $5.40
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Winnipeg $2.52
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 Tour in Rocky Mountain Yoho National Park: $156
- 2 Day Guided Tour in Banff National Park: $295
- 2 Days Jasper and Banff Tour from Calgary: $163
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Calgary's Highlights: $239
- 2-Hour Scooter Tour of Calgary's City Highlights: $69
- 3-Hour Bike Tour of Calgary, E-Bike Upgrade Options Available: $102
- 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary with Craft Beer Tastings: $102
- 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
- Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $119
- Banff Deep 1 Day Tour in Banff National Park: $171
- Banff Hot Springs - Gondola - Wildlife Tour from Calgary/Banff: $116
- Banff Tour with Gondola & Lake Cruise - roundtrip from Calgary: $239
Tours and Activities in Winnipeg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.
- Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $5.11
- Assiniboine Park Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.11
- Wealthy Beginnings Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- The Forks Self-Guided Smartphone Tour with Audio: $5.11
- Manitoba Legislative Grounds Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.23
- Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge: $5.23
- Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.23
- Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.23
- Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.23
- Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $5.23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Winnipeg -
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 Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Winnipeg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winnipeg than you might in Calgary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Calgary Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Winnipeg?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Winnipeg, 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.