Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Kauai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kauai or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kauai and Vancouver. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kauai or Vancouver?
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
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 dayKauai $190Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Kauai 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 Kauai and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKauai $113Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKauai $226Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Kauai and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Kauai 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: Kauai Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kauai $34Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV Transfer - Kauai Cruise Ship terminal : $199
- Private SUV Transfer - Lihue Airport to South Shore Kauai Resorts Koloa Poipu: $179
- Private Departure Transfer to Kauai Airport (LIH): $80
- Lihue Airport: Shared Transfer to Lihue: $19
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kauai Hotels to Kauai International Airport: $13
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 Kauai or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Kauai 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 dayKauai $56Vancouver $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Ahi Uila Fire Show and Dinner: $110
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Explore Waimea Town on a Walking Food Tour: $129
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $171
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $209
- Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner: $226
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House Dinner & Show: $226
- VIP 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $242
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.Kauai $17Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- 'IMILOA - Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $161
- 'IMILOA - Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $181
- 'IMILOA - Express Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: $136
- 1 Tank Discover Scuba at Koloa Landing with No Experience needed: $162
- 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure in Kauai: $115
- 5 Hrs. Kauai Eastside Small Group Tour. Short & sweet: $162
- 5 Line Zipline Tour: $130
- 8 Line Zipline Tour: $160
- Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai – Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto: $99
- Cruise Ship Shore Excursion: Kauai Movie Sites Tour: $173
- Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $223
- Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $212
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 dayKauai $14Vancouver $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 Kauai and Vancouver, we can see that Kauai 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 Kauai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kauai 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 Kauai Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kauai 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 Kauai or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Kauai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kauai is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kauai in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. Kauai usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Kauai gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kauai usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Kauai gets 0.6 inches (17 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 JulyKauai 78°F (25°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kauai or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Kauai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
In October, Kauai is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Kauai average around 78°F (25°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Kauai. In the autumn, Kauai often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Kauai gets 208 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. Kauai usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Kauai gets 3.3 inches (83 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 OctoberKauai 78°F (25°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Kauai or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kauai and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vancouver can get quite cold in the winter. Kauai is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Kauai averages around 71°F (22°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Kauai usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Kauai gets 174 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, Kauai usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Kauai 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 JanuaryKauai 71°F (22°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kauai or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kauai as well as Vancouver. Many visitors come to Kauai in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kauai is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kauai in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In the spring, Kauai often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Kauai gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Kauai usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Kauai gets 1.1 inches (27 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 AprilKauai 73°F (23°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Kauai
| Kauai | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 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.