A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pocono Mountains vs. Calgary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Calgary?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Calgary 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: Pocono Mountains or Calgary?

Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a region of mountains, small towns, and natural areas in Eastern Pennsylvania. Located just a few hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, this region of 4 counties (Wayne, Pike, Monroe, & Carbon) consists of plenty of mountain scenery, gorgeous lakes, historic small towns, ski resorts, state parks, water parks, and more.

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Pocono Mountains?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pocono Mountains is $174, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $154. 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 Pocono Mountains and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pocono Mountains $89
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pocono Mountains $178
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Pocono Mountains and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains or Calgary? 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 Pocono Mountains


Hotels in Calgary


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: Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pocono Mountains $49
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $61
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $61
  • Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotels: $63
  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $64
  • Private Transfer from Fernie to Calgary International Airport: $76
  • Private Transfer from YYC Airport to Kicking Horse or Panorama: $76
  • Calgary Downtown Transfers: $88
  • Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $91
  • Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $108
  • Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Pocono Mountains or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $53
    Calgary $31

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pocono Mountains $30
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64
  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • Bow River Trail: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.19
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.22
  • 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
  • 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
  • Explore the Stampede City with Walking Tours in Calgary: $6.68
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Calgary with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
  • Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $21
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pocono Mountains $13
    Calgary $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $90


When comparing the travel costs between Pocono Mountains and Calgary, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains and Calgary, 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.