A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlanta vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Atlanta or Vancouver?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Vancouver, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Atlanta travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Atlanta and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Atlanta. Vancouver is bigger than Atlanta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Vancouver?

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Vancouver and Atlanta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Vancouver.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Vancouver makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Atlanta and Vancouver.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Vancouver?

If you're looking to go shopping, Atlanta and Vancouver both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Vancouver is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Families?

Atlanta and Vancouver are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Students?

For students, both Atlanta and Vancouver are great places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vancouver can take you anywhere. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Vancouver is a very easy city to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Vancouver?

In either Atlanta or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Atlanta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Atlanta 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 Vancouver.

One day in Atlanta or Vancouver?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

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

A weekend in Atlanta or Vancouver?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Vancouver, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the suburban city of Atlanta. 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.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Vancouver?

Atlanta 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Vancouver, we can see that Atlanta 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Atlanta Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Atlanta gets 222 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. Atlanta usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Atlanta is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vancouver. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Atlanta