Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Nagano?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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: Nagano or Vancouver?
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
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 Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, 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 dayNagano $90Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Nagano is $90, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Nagano and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNagano $61Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNagano $122Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Nagano and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Nagano 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: Nagano Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nagano $9.80Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.40
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.78
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.58
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 Nagano or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Nagano 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 dayNagano $22Vancouver $31
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$8.87
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.Nagano $8.17Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
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 dayNagano -Vancouver $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: $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 Nagano and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia 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 Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver than you might in Nagano.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagano Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nagano or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.
In July, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 25°C (77°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 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 JulyNagano 25°C (77°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Nagano or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Nagano is a little warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Nagano gets 167 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 Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Vancouver. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 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 OctoberNagano 16°C (60°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Nagano or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nagano is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Nagano 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. Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 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 JanuaryNagano 2°C (36°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Nagano or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 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 AprilNagano 11°C (52°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Nagano
| Nagano | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.