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

Should you visit Asheville or Calgary?

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 Asheville and Calgary. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Asheville travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Asheville and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Asheville than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Asheville, Asheville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Asheville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Calgary is more popular for its museums and attractions. Calgary is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calgary is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Asheville 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 Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

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 Asheville or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

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

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Calgary Better for Music?

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

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Calgary is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Calgary Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Calgary?

Asheville is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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 Asheville or Calgary More Beautiful?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Calgary Better for Families?

Asheville is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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 Asheville or Calgary Better for Couples?

Asheville is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Calgary is a good mountain town 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 Asheville or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

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 Asheville or Calgary Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Calgary is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Asheville or Calgary a more walkable city?

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable mountain town. 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 Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Asheville or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Asheville 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 Asheville, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

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

One day in Asheville or Calgary?

In Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calgary. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Calgary?

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. 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 Asheville has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calgary. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Calgary?

Asheville 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the western city of Calgary. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. 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.

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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.