Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Canberra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Canberra or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Canberra or Vancouver? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Canberra or Vancouver?
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCanberra $135Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Canberra and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCanberra $83Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCanberra $166Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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: Canberra Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Canberra $25Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.40
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.78
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yvr Airport to Whistler and Whistler to Yvr Airport transfers: $111
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver and Tofino: $248
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $108
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Vancouver hotels to Canada Place Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Canberra 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 dayCanberra $35Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$17
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$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $94
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $153
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Canberra $17Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
- City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $118
- Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $646
- Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $870
- Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,413
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,413
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $710
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $837
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCanberra $16Vancouver $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $158
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $139
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $165
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
When comparing the travel costs between Canberra and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver 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. Even though Canberra is in Pacific and Vancouver is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Canberra Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Canberra or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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.
When is the best time to visit Canberra or Vancouver?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Vancouver has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Canberra or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Canberra is generally a little warmer than Vancouverin July. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 20°C (68°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Vancouverin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCanberra 20°C (68°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Vancouver. The autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Canberra is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets less rain in April than Vancouverin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCanberra 17°C (63°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. In the winter, Canberra is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Canberra in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Vancouverin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCanberra 11°C (52°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city.
In October, Canberra is generally much warmer than Vancouverin April. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 15°C (60°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Canberra usually gets less rain in October than Vancouverin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCanberra 15°C (60°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Canberra
| Canberra | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.