Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Vancouver?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vancouver or Winnipeg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vancouver and Winnipeg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Vancouver or Winnipeg?
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.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Its heart is The Forks, a historic site at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, with warehouses converted to shops and restaurants, plus ample green space dedicated to festivals, concerts and exhibits. Nearby, the Exchange District is known for its well-preserved, early 20th-century architecture and numerous art galleries. Rising above the prairie, Winnipeg is a metropolis where you least expect it. Cultured, confident and captivating, it’s more than just a pit stop on the Trans-Canada haul, but a destination in its own right, with a couple of world-class museums and a wonderfully diverse dining scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVancouver $141Winnipeg $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Vancouver is $141, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $251. 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 Vancouver and Winnipeg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVancouver $87Winnipeg $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVancouver $174Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Vancouver and Winnipeg
Looking for a hotel in Vancouver or Winnipeg? 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: Vancouver Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vancouver $12Winnipeg -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.35
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.71
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.53
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: $608
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $599
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $567
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $508
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $423
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $423
- Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $290
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $281
- Private Transfer, Langley, BC to Vancouver International Airport-VIP Sedan: $280
- Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $276
- Private Transfer from Vancouver (YVR) Airport to Vancouver City: $269
- Private Transfer from Vancouver City to Vancouver (YVR) Airport: $269
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg
Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
- Arrivals Private Transfer from Richardson Airport: $141
- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $61
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport: $61
- Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Vancouver or Winnipeg?
Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Vancouver 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
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Food Meals for one dayVancouver $31Winnipeg $5.40
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $78
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $84
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $96
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $111
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- Downtown Vancouver Asian Eats - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $141
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $152
- Granville Island Uncorked Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $156
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vancouver $36Winnipeg $2.52
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: $220
- Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $131
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $146
- Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $198
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour - Vancouver's Highlights: $256
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $233
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,398
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $454
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $580
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $332
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,398
Tours and Activities in Winnipeg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.
- Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.21
- Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.70
- Louis Riel & Red River Metis Trails Tour: $74
- Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge: $5.21
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Winnipeg, MB: $11
- Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $48
- Sights of South Winnipeg Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.17
- The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.21
- The Indigenous Residential School Museum Private Tour: $82
- The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.33
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
- Walk Downtown Winnipeg with 4 Unique Smartphone Audio Tours: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVancouver $16Winnipeg -
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $25
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
- Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $93
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $137
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $149
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $168
- Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
- Private Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $332
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vancouver and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Winnipeg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winnipeg 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 Vancouver Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vancouver or Winnipeg?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Vancouver and Winnipeg, 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 Vancouver or Winnipeg?
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 Vancouver or Winnipeg in the Summer?
Both Winnipeg and Vancouver are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Vancouver is cooler than Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vancouver in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. Vancouver usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Vancouver gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vancouver usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Vancouver gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVancouver 18°C (64°F)Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Vancouver or Winnipeg in the Autumn?
Both Winnipeg and Vancouver during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Vancouver is generally a little warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 11°C (51°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the autumn, Vancouver often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Vancouver gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. Vancouver usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Vancouver gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVancouver 11°C (51°F)Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Vancouver or Winnipeg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vancouver and Winnipeg.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Winnipeg. It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. Vancouver is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Vancouver averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).
Vancouver usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Vancouver gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Vancouver gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVancouver 4°C (40°F)Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)
Should I visit Vancouver or Winnipeg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vancouver as well as Winnipeg.
In the spring, Vancouver is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vancouver in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winnipeg. In the spring, Vancouver often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Vancouver gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vancouver usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Vancouver gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVancouver 9°C (49°F)Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Vancouver
| Vancouver | Winnipeg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | -17°C (2°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) | -14°C (8°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | -6°C (22°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | -13°C (9°F) | 19 mm (0.7 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.