A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fort Lauderdale vs. Calgary for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

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 Fort Lauderdale and Calgary. 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Local Beaches
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Calgary attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Calgary is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Fort Lauderdale. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Calgary is not a resort destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calgary and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Calgary. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a very kid-friendly coastal city. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Calgary is a good coastal city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Calgary is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Calgary is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Calgary a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Calgary

Fort Lauderdale is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable coastal city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.


For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fort Lauderdale than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Fort Lauderdale 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 Calgary.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The western destination of Calgary offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Calgary. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Fort Lauderdale?

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

  • Fort Lauderdale Prices
    USA Prices
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fort Lauderdale $218
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $218, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. 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 Fort Lauderdale and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Calgary? 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 Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Calgary


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer to Port Everglades: $180
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale in Business Car: $107
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale in Luxury Car: $166
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale in Luxury SUV: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Hollywood Beach in Business Car : $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Hollywood Beach in Luxury Car: $125
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Hollywood Beach in Luxury SUV: $113
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale by Luxury SUV: $154
  • Bimini Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Round-Trip Miami Transfer: $289
  • Boca Raton Luxury SUV Transfer to/from Fort Lauderdale Airport: $55
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $62
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury SUV: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $141
  • Arrival Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary by Business Car: $118
  • Banff (Canmore) to Calgary Airport | Private Transfer: $215
  • Banff Lake Louise or Canmore and Calgary Private Shuttle Transfer: $60
  • Banff/Canmore to Calgary or YYC Airport Private Transfer: $212
  • Banff: Private Transfer to Calgary Airport or Calgary: $126
  • Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Banff Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $215
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $85
    Calgary $54
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

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


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal & Dinner Cruise: $64
  • Immersive Sushi Cooking Class in Fort Lauderdale: $75
  • Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner: $80
  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $80
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Historic District Food Tour Experience: $120
  • Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, Around the World Food Tour Experience: $120
  • Hollywood Beach Walking Food Tour: $139
  • Haitian Cooking Class: $190

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

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


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

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

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $62
  • Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Davie by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pembroke Pines by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • 1-Hour Family Pirate Adventure Cruise: $22
  • Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale: $24
  • Fort Lauderdale Fallen Frights and Fury Ghost Tour: $24
  • Private BLU3 Nomad Scuba Demo Experience in Deerfield: $25
  • Fort Lauderdale Fallen Frights and Fury Ghost Tour: $26
  • Holiday Mansion Lights Boat Tour: $30
  • Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $31
  • Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

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


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

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

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.63
  • Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.18
  • Discover Calgary with 3 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
  • Calgary Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Rockies Trio: 3 Self Guided Smartphone Audio Tours Bundle: $17
  • Fun Selfie Experience in Calgary: $18
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
  • Shared Tour from Calgary to Moraine, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake: $28
  • Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Calgary $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale Bar Crawl: $15
  • Ft. Lauderdale: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

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

  • Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $88


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

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


Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Calgary, 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.