Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Osaka or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka 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: Osaka or Vancouver?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $88Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, 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 Osaka and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45Vancouver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
-
Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer service from Osaka to /from Wakayama.: $424
- Osaka Kyoto Transfer:10 hours English driver: $366
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $341
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $276
- KIX-OSAKA or OSAKA-KIX Airport Transfers (Max 9 Pax): $267
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $248
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $237
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $237
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (ITM) to Toyama Cruise Port: $219
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $216
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
-
SkyTrain from Airport$6.40
-
Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
-
15 min Taxi Ride$8.78
-
SkyTrain DayPass$6.58
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 and Tofino: $248
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $108
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $25Vancouver $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $47
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $50
- Home Cooking Class: $51
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $60
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $20Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $139
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $184
- 2-Hour Kendo Experience with English Instructor In Osaka Japan: $120
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $142
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,634
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $33
- 3-Hour Osaka Local food Hopping tour in Namba: $40
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $120
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,453
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $73
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $40
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
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 Osaka and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka 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 Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Vancouver?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka or Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Osaka is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Vancouver. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Osaka is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Osaka is a little warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Osaka gets 140 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, Osaka usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Osaka is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Osaka gets 176 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Vancouver. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Osaka
| Osaka | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.