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

Should you visit Asheville or Edmonton?

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 Edmonton. 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 eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Asheville travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Asheville and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Asheville or Edmonton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Asheville than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Asheville, Asheville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Asheville is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Asheville different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

Asheville
Edmonton

Edmonton is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Edmonton. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Asheville makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Music?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for live music. However, Edmonton is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Edmonton is not a live music destination.


Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is very good for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for its Old Town?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town. However, Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Edmonton?

Asheville
Edmonton

Shopping is a popular activity in both Edmonton and Asheville.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Edmonton. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Is Asheville or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Families?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly mountain town. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.


Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Asheville is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. 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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Asheville or Edmonton Better for Students?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Edmonton is not popular with students.


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

Asheville
Edmonton

Edmonton 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 Edmonton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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 Edmonton a more walkable city?

Asheville
Edmonton

Asheville and Edmonton both are nice when exploring on foot.

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.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable mountain town. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Asheville or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Asheville than Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Edmonton. 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 Edmonton. 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 Edmonton 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.


  • How many days in Asheville or Edmonton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Asheville 2-3 
    Edmonton 1-2

One day in Asheville or Edmonton?

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


A weekend in Asheville or Edmonton?

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Asheville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Edmonton. 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 Edmonton?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Edmonton. 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 Edmonton?

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain town offers something for everyone.

Edmonton 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Edmonton or Asheville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Asheville Prices
    USA Prices
    Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Asheville $159
    Edmonton $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $159, while the average daily cost in Edmonton is $191. 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 Asheville and Edmonton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Edmonton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Edmonton $202
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Edmonton

Looking for a hotel in Asheville or Edmonton? 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.

Hotels in Asheville


Hotels in Edmonton


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: Asheville Hotel Prices and Edmonton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Edmonton $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Edmonton?

Prices for flights to both Edmonton and Asheville 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Asheville $58
    Edmonton $27

Typical Food Prices in Edmonton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Edmonton are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $20
    Edmonton $91
Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60
  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Downtown Asheville Historian-Guided Tour: $20
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $27
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27
  • Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville: $30
  • The Asheville Abyss Ghost Tour: Ashes to Apparitions: $32
  • Haunted History & Murder Mystery Trolley Tour: $35
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Buffalo Creek Ranch Tour Experience: $40
  • Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour: $41
  • Explore Asheville on Segway Tours: $65
  • Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views: $75

Tours and Activities in Edmonton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Edmonton are as follows:

  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edmonton by Crazy Dash: $10
  • TELUS World of Science General Admission Ticket: $19
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $46
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $54
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • E-Scooter City Highlights Tour | 2-Hour: $63
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Edmonton -

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Asheville Bar Crawl: $15
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl through South Slope District: $80
  • Floating Bar Crawl Tour: $85
  • Asheville Brewery Tour: $94
  • 2 Vineyard Wine Tour of Western NC: $159
  • Private Wine Tour with Dine in Black Mountain from Asheville: $230
  • Three Vineyards Half Day Private Wine Tour From Asheville: $260

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103


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

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


Which is Bigger, Asheville or Edmonton?

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