Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Glasgow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Glasgow or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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: Glasgow or Vancouver?
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
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 Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 dayGlasgow £144Vancouver £113
The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is £113. 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 Glasgow and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGlasgow £74Vancouver £70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGlasgow £148Vancouver £140
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Glasgow £27Vancouver £9.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $840
- Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $784
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $314
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $276
- Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $242
- Private One Way Transfer Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh City Centre: $222
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $214
- Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $208
- Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
- Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $173
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport£5.12
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown£17
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15 min Taxi Ride£7.02
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SkyTrain DayPass£5.26
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 Glasgow or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Glasgow 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 dayGlasgow £45Vancouver £25
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market£1.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
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£7.09
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Glasgow £22Vancouver £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)£12
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Two Bike Rental£34
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $68
- 2 Hour Football Walking Tour in Glasgow : $25
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $261
- 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $273
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $285
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $516
- Discover Glasgow's Imperial Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,129
- From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,035
- From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $263
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGlasgow £15Vancouver £13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine£12
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie£3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Secrets & Summer Serves at Glengoyne Distillery: $25
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $44
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $75
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $125
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $187
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $188
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $459
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 Glasgow and Vancouver, we can see that Glasgow is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Glasgow 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 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGlasgow 15°C (59°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Glasgow is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Glasgow gets 69 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Vancouver. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGlasgow 10°C (49°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Glasgow is cooler than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Glasgow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vancouver. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGlasgow 3°C (38°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Glasgow or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Glasgow is cooler than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Glasgow usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGlasgow 7°C (45°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Glasgow
| Glasgow | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 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.