Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Minneapolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Minneapolis or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Calgary, 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: Minneapolis or Calgary?
Minneapolis
Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinneapolis $206Calgary $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $206, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $154. 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 Minneapolis and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinneapolis $110Calgary $73
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinneapolis $220Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis or Calgary? 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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Minneapolis $43Calgary $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis
Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
- Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $91
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary Downtown: $138
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $91
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary Downtown: $121
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Calgary Airport (YYC) -Calgary: $181
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $111
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary by Luxury SUV: $119
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Luxury Van: $128
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village : $60
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotels: $63
- Private Calgary to Banff One-way Transfer in Luxury Car: $296
- Lake Louise: Calgary to Lake Louise Private Transfer 1 Way: $474
Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Minneapolis 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 dayMinneapolis $40Calgary $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
-
Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Minneapolis $27Calgary $15
Tours and Activities in Minneapolis
For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
- Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
- In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
- In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
- Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Riverfront: $11
- Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $13
- Troll Tales at Children's Cave 1-Hour Tour in Saint Paul: $13
- St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
- Lost Souls Tour: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Yoho Tour | Moraine Lake | Johnston Canyon | From Calgary: $118
- 2 Days Jasper and Banff Tour from Calgary: $163
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Calgary's Highlights: $238
- 2-Hour Scooter Tour of Calgary's City Highlights: $68
- 3-Hour Bike Tour of Calgary, E-Bike Upgrade Options Available: $101
- 3-Hour Street Art Tour of Calgary with Craft Beer Tastings: $101
- 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
- Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $119
- Banff Deep 1 Day Tour in Banff National Park: $171
- Banff, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour from Calgary, Canmore: $96
- Calgary City Sightseeing Tour: $162
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMinneapolis $24Calgary $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis
Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
- All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
- 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Calgary, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Calgary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Calgary?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Calgary, 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.
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.