Which place is cheaper, British Columbia or California?
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 California or British Columbia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for California and British Columbia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: California or British Columbia?
California
California is the most populous state in the U.S. and is known for a variety of attractions such as Hollywood, warm beaches, the San Francisco bay area, Redwood trees, national parks, and stunning mountain vistas. With a variety of locations and activities to offer, California has become one of the premier travel destinations in the world.
British Columbia
The westernmost province in Canada, British Columbia, is four times the size of Great Britain with less than one tenth of the population. This is due to the vast mountain ranges just ready to be tackled including the Rockies, Selkirks and the Coastal Range. With vibrant cities and ambitious outdoor activities, British Columbia is ready for any traveler.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.
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California Prices
USA PricesBritish Columbia Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalifornia $286British Columbia $155
The average daily cost (per person) in California is $286, while the average daily cost in British Columbia is $155. 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 California and British Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalifornia $116British Columbia $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalifornia $232British Columbia $154
Compare Hotels in California and British Columbia
Looking for a hotel in California or British Columbia? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.California $42British Columbia $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in California
Also for California, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Anaheim Resort Area to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Anaheim Resort Private Transfer to or from John Wayne Airport.: $56
- Anaheim Resort: Private Transfer to or from San Diego.: $219
- Anaheim to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $126
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $293
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $108
- Buena Park to John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Buena Park to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Carlsbad to San Diego Airport (SAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Carlsbad-Legoland Private Transfer From or To Anaheim Resort.: $193
- Catalina Island Trip with Hotel transfers & Optional tours: $158
Hired Cars and Shuttles in British Columbia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in British Columbia:
- Whitewater Rafting from Vancouver with Lunch and Transfers: $286
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Whistler to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $261
- Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $65
- Vancouver: YVR Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $28
- Vancouver: Airport Transfer to Downtown Vancouver: $108
- Vancouver to Whistler Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $254
- Vancouver to Canada Place Cruise Port Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Vancouver International Airport and Cruise Port Private Transfer: $249
- Vancouver Airport YVR Round-Trip Private Transfer by Luxury SUV: $279
- Vancouver Airport YVR Private Transfer to Downtown: $54
- Vancouver Airport YVR Private Transfer to Cruise Ship or Hotel: $202
Is it cheaper to fly into California or British Columbia?
Prices for flights to both British Columbia and California 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 dayCalifornia $79British Columbia $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in California
For California, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santa Monica Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Churros, and More: $70
- Fun Pad Thai Cooking Class With a Local Chef in San Diego: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in San Diego: $75
- Japanese Gyoza Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in LA: $75
- Sacramento: Chicken Curry Cooking Class With a Local Chef: $75
- San Diego Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, & More: $79
- Carlsbad Taco Tuesday Walking Food Tour with Margarita or Beer: $84
- Silverlake Food Tour with Comedian Guide: $85
- San Francisco Chinatown History Culture And Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Holiday Sweet Treats, Donuts & Pastries Food Tour: $85
- San Francisco: The Mission District Food Tour with 5 Local Dishes: $85
- San Francisco: Chinatown & Litte Italy Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in British Columbia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in British Columbia.
- Victoria: Old Town & Chinatown Local Food Tour with 7 Tastings: $68
- Delicious Donuts & Holiday Cheer: Victoria's Sweetest Food Tour: $70
- Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Food Tour: $82
- Kelowna: #1 Rated Walking Food Tour with 7 Tastings and 4 Drinks: $83
- Vancouver Gastown's Elite Walking Food Tour Experience: $92
- Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $93
- Vancouver Chinatown Elite Food Tour Hidden Gems & Local Tastings: $96
- A Wok Around Granville Island Public Market Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver: Gastown Food Tour with 6 Authentic Local Food Tastings: $113
- Vancouver Foodie Tour: Granville Island Market Food Tour: $118
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $119
- Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.California $69British Columbia $42
Tours and Activities in California
For California, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover Yosemite National Park: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets: $1.12
- Discover San Diego: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.12
- Santa Monica Superhero Exploration Game and Tour: $4.84
- Missing Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.84
- San Francisco Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.85
- Secrets of Venice Boardwalk: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in LA: $4.85
- Venice Beach: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Solvang City Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Private Walking Berkeley: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Golden Gate Bridge Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Pasadena Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
Tours and Activities in British Columbia
Here are a few actual costs in British Columbia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Private Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $236
- 2 Hour Signature Victoria Pedicab Tour for 2-3 Guests: $113
- 2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour in Whistler: $207
- 2 Hours Private Tour of Stanley Park Vancouver: $128
- 2 Hours eBike Whistler Multi-generational Tour with Local Guide: $107
- 24 Hour Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Victoria City Tour: $52
- 2hr City Highlights Private Tour in Victoria BC: $146
- 3.5 hour Sailing Adventure in Nanoose Bay: $144
- 4 Hours Guided Mountain Bike Tour: $257
- 4 Hours Private tour of City of Vancouver.: $287
- 4 Tours Audio Adventure between Whistler & Lake Louise: $22
- 4-Hour Sailing Adventure on The Strait of Juan de Fuca: $129
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalifornia $21British Columbia $11
Sample the Local Flavors in California
Also in California, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- An Epic Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
- An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Awesome Bar Crawl in Lake Tahoe: $15
- Amazing Bar Crawl in Palm Springs: $15
- Myka Estates Wine Tasting Reservation: $15
- Temecula Valley Wine Tour - Self-Guided GPS Audio Guide: $20
- Gaslamp Bar Crawl: $20
- Santa Barbara Wine Tour - Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $25
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Sonoma County Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide: $30
- Paso Robles Sonata(Red Blend) Flight Wine Tasting: $30
Sample the Local Flavors in British Columbia
Also in British Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Amazing Bar Crawl in Vancouver BC: $15
- Pickle Pub Crawl: Victoria Harbour Ferry Pub Crawl: $47
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $80
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $86
- North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $93
- Signature Lake Country Wine Tour: $100
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $104
- 4-Hour Okanagan Valley Wine Tasting. Wineries of East Kelowna Bench.: $105
- Naramata Half Day Wine Tour (Incl. Tasting Fees & Guide Grat!): $114
- Sunset Sip Wine Tour: $114
- West Kelowna Half-Day Guided Wine Tour With 4 Wineries: $114
- East Kelowna Half-Day Guided Wine Tour With 4 Wineries: $114
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between California and British Columbia, we can see that California is more expensive. And not only is British Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to British Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in British Columbia 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 California would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in California than you might in British Columbia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is California Expensive? and Is British Columbia Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, California or British Columbia?
California has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of British Columbia. When comparing the sizes of California and British Columbia, 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.