Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Hilo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hilo or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hilo 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: Hilo or Vancouver?
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week 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 dayHilo $171Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Hilo is $171, 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 Hilo and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHilo $71Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHilo $142Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Hilo and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Hilo 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: Hilo Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hilo $25Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
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 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 Hilo or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Hilo 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 dayHilo $70Vancouver $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
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.Hilo $32Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Early Morning Whale Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- 4 Hour Captain Cook Bay Cruise: $99
- 4-hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $94
- 6 passengers' max, Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: $140
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $240
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: $129
- Afternoon Marine Adventure: $109
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHilo $10Vancouver $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 Hilo and Vancouver, we can see that Hilo 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo 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 Hilo Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hilo or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Hilo is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilo in July average around 76°F (24°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHilo 76°F (24°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Hilo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hilo is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Hilo often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Hilo gets 138 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 Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Vancouver. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHilo 76°F (24°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Vancouver. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. Hilo is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHilo 72°F (22°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Hilo is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilo in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Vancouver. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHilo 73°F (23°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Hilo
| Hilo | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.