Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Washington or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Washington or Vancouver?
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $198Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. 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 Washington and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $113Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $226Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Washington and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Washington 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.
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: Washington Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $47Vancouver $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Dulles Airport in Washington: $251
- Private Transfer To or Form Lorton and Dulles International Airport: $228
- Private Departure Transfer: Washington DC (any accommodation) to Dulles Airport: $218
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
- Private Transfer to or from Springfield VA and Dulles Airport: $208
- Private transfer Service to or from Washington, DC and IAD: $208
- Private transfer to or form Arlington and Dulles International Airport: $200
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Private transfer to or from Vienna and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $195
- Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
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: $611
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $602
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $570
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $425
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $425
- Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
- 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
- Private Transfer, Vancouver Intl. Airport to Vancouver, BC - VIP, SEDAN : $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Washington 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 dayWashington $38Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $97
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $151
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
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:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $85
- 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
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
- Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures: $163
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $24Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
- 4 Hours Washington Tour with Boat Cruise: $169
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria: $99
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
- African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket: $90
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: $2,411
- 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: $2,411
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $709
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $836
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $19Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
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: $84
- 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
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
- Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Vancouver, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Washington or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Washington is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) 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 Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Washington usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Washington or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Washington is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Washington often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Washington gets 197 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. Washington usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Washington or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Vancouver. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. The weather in Washington can be very cold. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Washington usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Washington gets 139 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, Washington usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Washington or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Vancouver. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
Washington is a little warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Washington usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Washington
| Washington | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.