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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Vancouver? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dubrovnik or Vancouver?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Dubrovnik?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $103, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Dubrovnik and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $53
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $106
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $13
    Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Zagreb - Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik - Zagreb: $1,036
  • From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $592
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $562
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $546
  • Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $538
  • Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $538
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $454
  • Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $454
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $431
  • Private One Way Transfer from Hvar to Dubrovnik: $396
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $394
  • One Way Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $394

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

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


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.40
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.78
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.58

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: $571
  • Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
  • Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $428
  • Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $428
  • Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
  • 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
  • Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
  • Private Transfer, Vancouver Intl. Airport to Vancouver, BC - VIP, SEDAN : $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $35
    Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $81
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $82
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $144
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $166
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $199
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $203
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $210
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $215

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

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


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.87

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: $94
  • 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
  • Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $153
  • Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
  • Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $20
    Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $104
  • Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat from Koločep: $112
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
  • 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Dubrovnik : $105
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
  • 10 Days Tour: Exploring Croatia, Istria and Dalmatia: $3,080
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour : $151
  • 2 hrs Guided Tour to CAVTAT a Small Place for Great Art: $27
  • 2-Hour Dubrovnik Fun and Exciting Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour: $137
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $22
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $109

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: $2,413
  • 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: $2,413
  • 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $710
  • 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $837

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $15
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $81
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town : $89
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $93
  • E-Bike Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small Group): $97

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: $88
  • 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
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $139
  • Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $165
  • Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
  • Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe and Vancouver is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dubrovnik is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubrovnik in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dubrovnik is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 18°C (64°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Vancouver. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Vancouver. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. Dubrovnik is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dubrovnik is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubrovnik in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vancouver. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)