A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paris or Vancouver?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Paris 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: Paris or Vancouver?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Paris?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €232, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is €132. 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 Paris and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 151
    Vancouver 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 302
    Vancouver 162
Compare Hotels in Paris and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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.

Hotels in Paris


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris 21
    Vancouver 11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,583
  • Private Transfer to or from Toulouse: $1,399
  • From Le Havre/Honfleur: Private Transfer to Versailles: $1,398
  • Private Transfer to or from Lyon: $969
  • Private Transfer to or from Strasbourg: $969
  • From Le Havre to Paris or back: private one way transfer: $770
  • Transfer Giverny village house Claude Monet 3 pax: $419
  • Private Transfer from or to Beauvais Airport: $406
  • Charles De Gaule Airport Private Transfer: $274
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Round Trip Transfer to/from Paris: $273
  • Private Transfer: Paris Airport CDG to Reims / Champagne by Van: $273
  • Private Transfer to or from Beauvais Airport: $269

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    5.94
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    20
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    8.15
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    6.11

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 Paris or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Paris 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 day
    Paris 41
    Vancouver 29
Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
  • Hard Rock Cafe Paris with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner : $33
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $52
  • Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
  • Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour -Kids friendly-: $68
  • No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $68
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $68
  • Le Marais Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $69

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    8.23

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.
    Paris 77
    Vancouver 34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Île de la Cité: Guided Tour + Sainte-Chapelle Fast Track Entry: $55
  • A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $208
  • Day Tour- Normandy Omaha Beach - Cemetery - Cider Tasting: $260
  • Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $54
  • Notre-Dame Walking Tour with Skip The Line Sainte-Chapelle Entry: $61
  • Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
  • Paris Christmas Market Tour: $297
  • Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $11
  • Paris Entrance Ticket to the Aura Invalides Immersive Show: $24
  • Paris Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $267
  • Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $94
  • Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $251

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 day
    Paris 24
    Vancouver 15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $11
  • Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
  • Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $22
  • Paris Bar Crawl: $24
  • Paris Pub Crawl: $25
  • Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $32
  • Paris Craft gin distillery guided Tour & Tasting in French: $32
  • Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $39
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $43
  • Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $43

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 Paris and Vancouver, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe 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 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paris or Vancouver?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Paris is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Paris or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Paris is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Paris gets 127 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. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Paris or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Vancouver. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In January, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Paris or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Paris is a little warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Paris usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Paris

Paris Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)