Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Charlotte or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Vancouver?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, 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 dayCharlotte $191Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
- Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
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 Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $611
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $602
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $570
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $425
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $425
- Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
- Private Transfer, Langley, BC to Vancouver International Airport-VIP Sedan: $280
- Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $277
- Private Transfer from Vancouver (YVR) Airport to Vancouver City: $270
- Private Transfer, Vancouver Intl. Airport to Vancouver, BC - VIP, SEDAN : $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Charlotte 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 dayCharlotte $46Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
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.Charlotte $43Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
- 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $75
- Beer & BBQ Walking Tour - Craft Beer Experience : $115
- Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
- Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour : $27
- Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $40
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
- Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour: $35
- Charlotte Historic : Queen Bee City Tour: $39
- Charlotte Historical City Tour: $45
- Charlotte Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $90
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: $2,411
- 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: $2,411
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $709
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $836
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $20Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
- Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
- Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240
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 Charlotte and Vancouver, we can see that Charlotte is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte than you might in Vancouver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlotte Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Charlotte. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Vancouver?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Charlotte or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Charlotte is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Vancouver. The winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. Charlotte is a little warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Vancouver. The activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.
In the spring, Charlotte is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Charlotte usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Vancouver | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.