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

Should you visit Sydney or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Sydney travel costs.

Calgary

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

Is there more to do in Sydney or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Calgary, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Sydney different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Calgary Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Calgary?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Sydney or Calgary More Beautiful?

Sydney is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sydney or Calgary Better for Families?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. 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 Sydney or Calgary Better for Couples?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Sydney or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Sydney or Calgary Better for Students?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Sydney or Calgary a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is a very walkable city. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sydney or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sydney than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Calgary?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Calgary. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Calgary?

Because Sydney 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Calgary is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Calgary?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, 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 Sydney and Calgary, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and Calgary 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 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Calgary?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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.