Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.
Where Should I go: Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver?
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, 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 dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCarmel-by-the-Sea -Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCarmel-by-the-Sea $0.00Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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: Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea $125Vancouver $12
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:
- Private Departure Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
- Vancouver Airport-Cypress/Grouse Mountain Private Transfer: $38
- Vancouver Airport (YVR) to White Rock - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Canada Place Port to Vancouver Airport(YVR) - Departure Transfer : $55
- Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Canada Place Port - Arrival Transfer: $55
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Canada Place Cruise Terminal to any Hotel: $74
- Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Whistler - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 dayCarmel-by-the-Sea $153Vancouver $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Thai Cooking Class in Monterey: $99
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$8.80
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: $85
- 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
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
- Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures: $163
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Carmel-by-the-Sea -Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour: $79
- 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach’s Historical Highlights: $9.99
- 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $149
- 2.5-Hour Electric Bike Tour Along 17 Mile Drive of Coastal Monterey: $65
- 3-Hour Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour: $70
- 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour: $189
- Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway: $17
- Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour: $139
- Carmel by the Sea 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $20
- Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour: $68
- Fairy Tale Houses Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Vancouver self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.28
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.74
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.82
- Discover Stanley Park with a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Fort Langley: a Film & Television Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.19
- Discover Stanley Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.19
- Cycling the Seawall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Along the Stanley Park Seawall: $5.46
- Historic Walking Tours of Vancouver with Then & Now Images!: $6.68
- Walking Tour Along Stanley Park's Seawall: $6.68
- Vancouver Downtown: Espionage Adventure Outdoor Escape Game: $6.94
- Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.30
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCarmel-by-the-Sea -Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $149
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: $84
- 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
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
- Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Carmel-by-the-Sea as well as Vancouver. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
In the summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCarmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Carmel-by-the-Sea are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea average around 62°F (17°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCarmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Carmel-by-the-Sea during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Carmel-by-the-Sea is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Carmel-by-the-Sea averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carmel-by-the-Sea usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCarmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carmel-by-the-Sea in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Carmel-by-the-Sea usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Carmel-by-the-Sea gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCarmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Carmel-by-the-Sea
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 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.