Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Gatlinburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Vancouver?
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $190Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, 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 Gatlinburg and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Vancouver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Vancouver $12
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 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 Gatlinburg or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Gatlinburg 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 dayGatlinburg $85Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
-
Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
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.Gatlinburg $24Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Photos$22
-
Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience: $65
- 6-Line Zip at Night Tour: $72
- 7-Line Zipline Experience in Sevierville: $119
- Admission Ticket: Brian Hoffman's Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton: $35
- Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $35
- Appalachian Trail Adventure: $175
- Beyond The Lens Interactive Museum Admission Ticket: $27
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
- Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour: $41
- East Tennessee Off Road ATV Guided Experience: $71
- Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour by Helicopter: $63
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70
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 Gatlinburg and Vancouver, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking.
Gatlinburg is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGatlinburg 81°F (27°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 213 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. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGatlinburg 63°F (17°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Vancouver. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In January, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGatlinburg 40°F (5°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Vancouver.
Gatlinburg is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGatlinburg 62°F (17°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Gatlinburg
| Gatlinburg | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 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 | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.