Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Honolulu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Honolulu or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Honolulu and Vancouver can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Honolulu or Vancouver?
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHonolulu $284Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Honolulu is $284, 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 Honolulu and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHonolulu $183Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHonolulu $366Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Honolulu and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Honolulu 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: Honolulu Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Honolulu $26Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
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Airport Shuttle for Two$30
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Hilton Parking$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Honolulu HNL Airport Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $272
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu International Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $271
- Arrival Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by SUV: $211
- VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
- Chief's Luau Admission Including Transfers: $181
- Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
- Private Transfer from HNL Airport to Honolulu / Waikiki : $164
- HNL Airport & Waikiki Private Transfer by Brand New Mercedes Van: $160
- Arrival Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Beach Resorts by Executive Car: $157
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki by SUV: $148
- Oahu: 3 Ziplines and Coral Crater Tour with Transfer: $147
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(up to 14ppl): $140
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 Honolulu or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Honolulu 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 dayHonolulu $53Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
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Dinner for Two$73
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Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream$5.55
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Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)$53
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Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)$34
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Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)$7.50
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Hot Dog with the Fixins'$8.30
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Sushi Dinner for Two$73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
- Oahu Da Local's Food Tour: $150
- Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
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.Honolulu $40Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Parking for Hike$5.00
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Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two$12
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2 hr Dinner Cruise$85
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1 Day Kayak Rental$36
Tours and Activities in Honolulu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
- 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
- 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
- 3 Hour Sightseeing *SPECIALTY Tour: $149
- 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
- 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
- 3-Hour Adventure in Waikiki Water Park Adventure: $127
- 5 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
- 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
- 5-Star Oahu Sightseeing with local food & shrimp plate included: $133
- 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
- 6 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $276
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 dayHonolulu $6.47Vancouver $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 Honolulu and Vancouver, we can see that Honolulu 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu 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 Honolulu Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Honolulu or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Honolulu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.
Honolulu is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Honolulu 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 Honolulu. Honolulu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Honolulu gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Honolulu gets 0.6 inches (15 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 JulyHonolulu 81°F (27°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Honolulu or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Honolulu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Honolulu for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Honolulu is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Honolulu in October average around 80°F (26°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Honolulu. In the autumn, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Honolulu gets 246 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. Honolulu usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Honolulu gets 2.1 inches (54 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 OctoberHonolulu 80°F (26°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Honolulu or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Honolulu and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Honolulu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vancouver can be very cold during winter. In January, Honolulu is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 73°F (23°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Honolulu gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Honolulu usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Honolulu gets 3.9 inches (99 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 JanuaryHonolulu 73°F (23°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Honolulu or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Honolulu as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Honolulu is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 76°F (24°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In the spring, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Honolulu gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Honolulu usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Honolulu gets 1.7 inches (42 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 AprilHonolulu 76°F (24°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Honolulu
| Honolulu | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 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.