Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Columbia River Gorge?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver?
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.
The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in 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 dayColumbia River Gorge $179Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia River Gorge is $179, 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 Columbia River Gorge and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbia River Gorge $89Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbia River Gorge $178Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Columbia River Gorge and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Columbia River Gorge 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: Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbia River Gorge $78Vancouver $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 Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Columbia River Gorge 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 dayColumbia River Gorge $46Vancouver $31
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.Columbia River Gorge $20Vancouver $36
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 dayColumbia River Gorge $12Vancouver $16
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 Columbia River Gorge and Vancouver, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 68°F (20°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 Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.
Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 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 JulyColumbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 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, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 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 OctoberColumbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Columbia River Gorge during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. In January, Columbia River Gorge is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 40°F (4°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 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 JanuaryColumbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the natural beauty.
Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 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, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 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 AprilColumbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Columbia River Gorge
| Columbia River Gorge | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 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.