A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baltimore vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Vernon?

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 Baltimore and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Baltimore travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Baltimore and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Vernon is known for its hiking. Baltimore is more touristy than Vernon and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Baltimore different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Vernon?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.


Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Baltimore is an experience not to be missed. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Baltimore or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Baltimore or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Baltimore
Vernon

Vernon is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Vernon?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Baltimore or Vernon Better for Families?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Baltimore or Vernon Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Vernon

Both Baltimore and Vernon are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Vernon is a good city for couples to visit. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.


Is Baltimore or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Baltimore or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Baltimore or Vernon a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Vernon

Baltimore is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.


For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Vernon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Vernon 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 Baltimore.


  • How many days in Baltimore or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Baltimore or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baltimore. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Vernon?

Baltimore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the quiet destination of Vernon. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quiet town of Vernon. 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.


A week in Baltimore or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Baltimore?

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

  • Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Baltimore $217
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Baltimore and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Vernon? 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 Baltimore


Hotels in Vernon


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $154
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Private Transfer from BWI Airport ⇄ Washington DC : $199
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $240
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79
    Vernon $43
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • NEON Starry Night Sip and Paint Experience : $20
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • City Cruises Baltimore Harbor Tour: $30
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $32
  • Glow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience : $40
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • North Beach Scenic - Guided Walking Tour: $41
  • North Beach Historic - Guided Walking Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Vernon $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Vernon?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Vernon, 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 Baltimore or Vernon?

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 Baltimore or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Vernon. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Vernon. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Baltimore or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Baltimore or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Baltimore is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Vernon. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Baltimore or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Baltimore during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Baltimore is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Baltimore

Baltimore Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)