A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Calgary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Calgary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Calgary 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: Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Calgary?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

The town of Chimney Rock and the neighboring Lake Lure draws a fairly large number of visitors every year, especially in the warmer summer months. This mountain area can sometimes be an expensive travel destination due to its popularity, but it is often still more affordable than many other destinations in the southeastern U.S. If you're on a tight budget, then it's not hard to find affordable places to stay, cook your own meals, and avoid the more expensive activities while still having fun. If you do wish to splurge and spend more money, it's quite easy and tempting with all of the activities around.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $154. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Calgary? 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.

Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Calgary


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $128
  • Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $365
  • Calgary Air to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Banff | Private Transfer: $185
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $235
  • Calgary Airport to Banff Thermal Resorts Private Arrival Transfer: $139
  • Calgary Airport to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $147
  • Calgary Airport(YYC) to Lake Louise Round Trip Private Transfer: $229
  • Calgary Downtown Transfers: $88
  • Calgary Int Airport (YYC) to Fernie - Arrival Private Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
    Calgary $31

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Calgary $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • 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:

  • Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.19
  • 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
  • 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
  • Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $26
  • Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
  • Sheep & Spirits: Diamond Valley Hiking Experience: $39
  • 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Calgary $11

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: $89


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Calgary, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 6140 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Calgary, 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.