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

Should you visit Asheville or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon. 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 beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and hiking. See Asheville travel costs.

Saskatoon

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

Asheville and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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 with backpackers


Is there more to do in Asheville or Saskatoon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Asheville than Saskatoon. While Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon is more popular for its museums and attractions. Asheville is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Asheville different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Asheville
Saskatoon

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

Saskatoon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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 Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Music?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a live music destination.


Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for its Old Town?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its old town. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Saskatoon?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Asheville
Saskatoon

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

Saskatoon is a family-friendly mountain town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.


Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Asheville
Saskatoon

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

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.

Saskatoon is a good mountain town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon Better for Students?

Asheville
Saskatoon

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

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.


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

Asheville
Saskatoon

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Saskatoon.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Asheville or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Asheville
Saskatoon

Asheville and Saskatoon both are notable 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.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable mountain town. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Saskatoon. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Saskatoon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Asheville 2-3 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Asheville or Saskatoon?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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


A weekend in Asheville or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the open-minded destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Saskatoon 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.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Asheville $159
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $159, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. 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 Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Asheville or Saskatoon? 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 Saskatoon


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 Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Saskatoon $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $20
    Saskatoon $17
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Saskatoon $9.60

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


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


Which is Bigger, Asheville or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Saskatoon, 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.