A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Clearwater vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Clearwater or Vancouver?

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 Clearwater and Vancouver. 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: Clearwater or Vancouver?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Vancouver $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • 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 Clearwater or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $46
    Vancouver $31

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Vancouver $36

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
  • 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown St Pete: $59
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
  • 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
  • 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
  • 90 Minute Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Clearwater at Hatchet Hangout: $50
  • All Day Fishing Experience from John's Pass in Madeira Beach, FL - 10 Hours: $160
  • Amazing Helicopter Tour of Treasure Island, John's Pass, Don CeSar Resort & Bay: $126
  • Brief History of Tarpon Springs - Guided Golf Cart Tour: $45

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20

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 Clearwater and Vancouver, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Vancouver. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vancouver can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches.

Clearwater is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Clearwater

Clearwater Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)