Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Oahu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Oahu or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oahu or Vancouver, 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: Oahu or Vancouver?
Oahu
Hawaii is the epitome of paradise, and at the heart of paradise is the island of O'ahu (or Oahu). While it's only the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, O'ahu, or "the gathering place," is the most populous in the state with approximately 976,000 people calling O'ahu home, many of which live in the capital city of Honolulu.
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 United States of America, The Best 2-Week 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 dayOahu $333Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Oahu is $333, 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 Oahu and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOahu $237Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOahu $474Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Oahu and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Oahu 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: Oahu Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Oahu $21Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oahu
Also for Oahu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luxury Transfer Between Ko Olina and Honolulu Airport, Vice Versa: $240
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to North Shore : $203
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Pupukea: $203
- Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(14 ppl): $170
- Private Transfer from Beach Resorts to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive Sedan: $157
- Private Transfer Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Executive SUV: $148
- Full-Day Island Highlights Tour with Transfer: $136
- Private Transfer from Honolulu (HLN) Airport to Ko Olina: $127
- Private Transfer: Honolulu to Honolulu Airport HNL in Sedan Car: $108
- Honolulu Harbor Cruise Terminal Transfer: $105
- Ko Olina or Kapolei to Airport Private Transfer: $100
- Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with Lunch and Transfers: $98
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:
- Yvr Airport to Whistler and Whistler to Yvr Airport transfers: $111
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $206
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Vancouver hotels to Canada Place Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Vancouver Cruise ship Transfer to Airport/City Hotel: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Oahu or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Oahu 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 dayOahu $52Vancouver $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oahu
For Oahu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $97
- Moonlight Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $125
- Honolulu Sunset & Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $129
- Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show at Aloha Tower: $129
- Hawaii Semisub Classic Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $170
- Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike in Oahu: $179
- Germaine's Traditional Luau Show & Buffet Dinner: $191
- Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz: $225
- Traditional Canoe Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $250
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.Oahu $27Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Oahu
For Oahu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Tour de Honolulu" Foodie Bike Tour: $189
- New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise: $246
- 1.5 -Hour Guided Whale and Marine Life Tour: $89
- 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $248
- 2-Hour Private Botanical Facial with Hand Dip Experience: $175
- 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide, Snorkel and Wild Life Cruise: $109
- 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure : $87
- 30 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu: $284
- 4 Hour Guided Scuba Diving Adventures in Waikiki: $249
- 5:00PM Sunset Cruise & Whale Watch from Oahu (Wahine Koa): $57
- ATV Adventure in Hawaii by Da Mongoose EzRaider: $139
- Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise: $40
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 dayOahu $6.47Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Oahu
Also in Oahu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Whiskey Tour - Koʻolau Distillery - Kailua, Hawai'i 96734: $25
- History Tour Pub Crawl in Waikiki: $45
- Waikiki History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
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 Oahu and Vancouver, we can see that Oahu 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 Oahu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oahu 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 Oahu Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Oahu 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 Oahu or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oahu and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Oahu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Oahu is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 81°F (27°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Oahu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oahu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Oahu gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Oahu usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Oahu 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 JulyOahu 81°F (27°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Oahu or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Oahu as well as Vancouver. Many visitors come to Oahu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Oahu is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oahu averages around 80°F (26°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oahu this time of the year. In the autumn, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Oahu gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Oahu usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Oahu 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 OctoberOahu 80°F (26°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Oahu or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Oahu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oahu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. In the winter, Oahu is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oahu in January average around 73°F (23°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oahu. Oahu usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Oahu gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Oahu usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Oahu 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 JanuaryOahu 73°F (23°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Oahu or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Oahu during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Oahu because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Oahu is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Oahu average around 76°F (24°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Oahu. In the spring, Oahu often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Oahu gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oahu usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Oahu 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 AprilOahu 76°F (24°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Oahu
| Oahu | 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.