A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seattle vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Seattle or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Calgary, 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a bustling, progressive, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Seattle is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Seattle travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Seattle and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seattle or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Seattle different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Seattle. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seattle or Calgary?

Seattle is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Theater?

Seattle is a city with good options for its theatre productions. However, Calgary is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Calgary is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Seattle or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seattle is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Music?

Seattle is well known for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Calgary is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a city with good options for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Seattle is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Calgary?

Both Seattle and Calgary are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Seattle to go shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calgary. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Seattle or Calgary More Beautiful?

Seattle is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Seattle is a beautiful place to visit, too. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Families?

Seattle and Calgary are both good destinations for the whole family.

Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Calgary is a family-friendly city. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Couples?

Seattle and Calgary are both good to visit as a couple.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Calgary is a nice destination for couples. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seattle and Calgary are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Calgary is a good city to visit for backpackers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Students?

Seattle is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Calgary is not popular with students.

Is Seattle or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Seattle and Calgary offer good public transit options.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Calgary has some public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Seattle or Calgary a more walkable city?

Seattle is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Seattle Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Seattle or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seattle than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seattle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

Families should spend more time in Seattle than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seattle, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Seattle than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seattle that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Calgary if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Seattle.

One day in Seattle or Calgary?

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Seattle or Calgary?

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seattle has to offer.

In Calgary, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer.

Five days in Seattle or Calgary?

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seattle or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Seattle. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calgary. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seattle and Calgary, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Calgary.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seattle Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Seattle 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.