Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Niagara Falls?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Niagara Falls or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Niagara Falls 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: Niagara Falls or Vancouver?
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNiagara Falls $122Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Niagara Falls is $122, 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 Niagara Falls and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNiagara Falls $74Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNiagara Falls $148Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Niagara Falls and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls 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: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Niagara Falls $16Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $261
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $260
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $205
- Private Half Day Niagara Wine Tour Visit with Transfer Included: $200
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown: $198
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $194
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $179
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $179
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $161
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $161
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138
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 Departure Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
- Cypress/Grouse Mountain to Vancouver Airport - Departure Transfer: $38
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Canada Place Port to Vancouver Airport(YVR) - Departure Transfer : $55
- Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Canada Place Port - Arrival Transfer: $55
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $57
- Transfer Private Vehicle Vancouver Airport (YVR)-Vancouver Downtown: $67
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $72
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver Harbour Water Airport to Whistler - Arrival Transfer: $76
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Departure Private Transfer Vancouver to YVR Airport or Cruise Port- Business Car: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Niagara Falls or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Niagara Falls 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 dayNiagara Falls $28Vancouver $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Niagara, CA: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $145
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $148
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $156
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $169
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $179
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $193
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $193
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $199
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $203
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:
- Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $78
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $84
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $96
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $111
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- Downtown Vancouver Asian Eats - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $141
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $152
- Granville Island Uncorked Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $156
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Niagara Falls $20Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $297
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 3-Hour Lewiston Walking Cocktail Tour: $74
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $157
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $90
- All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
- All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
- All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Vancouver self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.27
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.72
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.85
- Discover Stanley Park with a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
- Fort Langley: a Film & Television Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.22
- Cycling the Seawall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Along the Stanley Park Seawall: $5.46
- Historic Walking Tours of Vancouver with Then & Now Images!: $6.72
- Walking Tour Along Stanley Park's Seawall: $6.72
- Vancouver Downtown: Espionage Adventure Outdoor Escape Game: $6.92
- Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.26
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.46
- VanDusen Botanical Garden Admission Ticket: $7.69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNiagara Falls $11Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $104
- Niagara Falls, CA: Niagara Craft Brewery Tour: $109
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $120
- Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $123
- Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $142
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $25
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
- Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $93
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $137
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $149
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $168
- Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
- Private Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $332
When comparing the travel costs between Niagara Falls and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Niagara Falls Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Niagara Falls or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls or Vancouver?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Niagara Falls as well as Vancouver.
In July, Niagara Falls is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Niagara Falls average around 23°C (74°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In the summer, Niagara Falls often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Niagara Falls gets 306 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.
Niagara Falls usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Niagara Falls gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNiagara Falls 23°C (74°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Niagara Falls are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Niagara Falls is a little warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Niagara Falls averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Niagara Falls usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Niagara Falls gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Niagara Falls usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Niagara Falls gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNiagara Falls 12°C (54°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Niagara Falls during the winter are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. In the winter, Niagara Falls is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Niagara Falls in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Niagara Falls often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Niagara Falls gets 89 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Niagara Falls usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Niagara Falls gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNiagara Falls -4°C (26°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Niagara Falls and Vancouver.
In April, Niagara Falls is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Niagara Falls average around 10°C (49°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. Niagara Falls usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Niagara Falls gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Niagara Falls usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Niagara Falls gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNiagara Falls 10°C (49°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Niagara Falls
| Niagara Falls | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 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.