A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dayton vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dayton or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton 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.

Where Should I go: Dayton or Vancouver?

Dayton

Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Dayton?

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

  • Dayton Prices
    USA Prices
    Vancouver Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dayton $368
    Vancouver $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $368, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. 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 Dayton and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dayton $250
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dayton $500
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Vancouver? 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 Dayton


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dayton $25
    Vancouver $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer from/to Squamish: $26
  • Bus Transfer from/to Whistler: $26
  • Vancouver Airport Transfer to Vancouver/Whistler (Special Offer): $27
  • Private Departure Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
  • Group Transfer to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR): $33
  • Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $40
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $40
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from YVR Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Vancouver hotels: $47
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Hotels to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $47
  • Vancouver hotel/address to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Dayton 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
    Dayton $105
    Vancouver $54
Typical Food Prices in Dayton

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


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
  • Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
  • Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
  • Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dayton -
    Vancouver $36

Tours and Activities in Dayton

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

  • Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $3.58
  • Gratuity-Based Vancouver City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $4.00
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.66
  • Stanley Park Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.32
  • Discover Stanley Park: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.65
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.17
  • Spy Escape in Outdoor Puzzle Adventure: $7.20
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.39
  • Ticket to Immersive Museum in Chinatown: $8.87
  • Vancouver Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Underground Comedy Club Entry Ticket: $11
  • Vancouver to Kamloops Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dayton -
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169


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


Which is Bigger, Dayton or Vancouver?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dayton or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Vancouver. Additionally, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dayton is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the summer, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dayton 78°F (26°C) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dayton or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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, Dayton is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Dayton usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dayton 57°F (14°C) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dayton or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Dayton during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, 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. Dayton can be very cold during winter. Dayton is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Dayton often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dayton usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dayton or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Vancouver. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In the spring, Dayton is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dayton usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dayton 55°F (13°C) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Dayton

Dayton Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)