Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Las Vegas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Las Vegas travel costs.
Calgary
Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.
Las Vegas and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Calgary?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Las Vegas is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.
How is Las Vegas different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Las Vegas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Calgary?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Is Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Theater?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Calgary is not a theatre destination.
Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Las Vegas that are not to be missed. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Calgary is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Las Vegas have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
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 Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
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 Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Music?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Las Vegas There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Calgary is not a live music destination.
Is Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Resorts?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas is a world class resort vacation destination. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Calgary is not a resort destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Calgary?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Las Vegas make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Families?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Calgary is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Calgary is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Couples?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Las Vegas is a great entertainment capital for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
Calgary is a good entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Calgary is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.
Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.
Is Las Vegas or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Calgary is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Las Vegas or Calgary a more walkable city?
Las Vegas
Calgary
Las Vegas is a entertainment capital with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable entertainment capital. 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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Las Vegas?
How long in Las Vegas or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Las Vegas or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Las Vegas than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Calgary 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 Las Vegas.
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How many days in Las Vegas or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayLas Vegas 2-7Calgary 1-2
One day in Las Vegas or Calgary?
Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calgary. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Las Vegas or Calgary?
Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the western destination of Calgary. 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 Las Vegas or Calgary?
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the local city of Calgary. 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 Las Vegas or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
Calgary 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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Las Vegas Prices
USA PricesCalgary Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLas Vegas $369Calgary $177
The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $369, 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 Las Vegas and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLas Vegas $158Calgary $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLas Vegas $316Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Las Vegas and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas 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.
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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Las Vegas $53Calgary $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Arrival Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV or LIMO with 1 hour disposal : $231
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $125
- Arrival Transfer: Private Luxury 8 Passenger Limousine Service: $176
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $89
- From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
- From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- From Private Transfer to Zion National Park: $2,592
- Hidden Valley Springs Nature Getaway with Buffet Lunch & Transfer: $170
- Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $94
- Las Vegas Airport (LAS) / Transfer to hotels on the Strip.: $27
- Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas - Arrival Private Transfer : $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $45
- Calgary Airport and Calgary Hotels Best Local Private Transfer: $51
- Experience Private Airport Transfer in Calgary: $51
- Transfer from Calgary Airport: $51
- From Bus Transfer to Banff: $60
- Banff Lake Louise or Canmore and Calgary Private Shuttle Transfer: $60
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $62
- Calgary Airport to Banff and Beyond Transfer Service: $65
- Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $72
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $86
- Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $86
- Calgary hotel or address to Calgary Airport (YYC) - Departure Private Transfer: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Las Vegas or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Las Vegas 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
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Food Meals for one dayLas Vegas $139Calgary $54
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Manila Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $44
- "Blockbuster Beats" show & dinner at the Firelight Barn: $49
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $65
- Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience : $73
- Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
- 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
- Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $79
- Private Manila Local Dishes Food Tour in Malabon: $99
- Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $99
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Las Vegas $78Calgary $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- Downtown Las Vegas Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
- BEEsita Sa Bukid - Guided Bee Farm Tour: $9.81
- Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Henderson by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Skip the Line: Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Admission Ticket: $19
- Las Vegas Strip: The High Roller at The LINQ Ticket: $19
- Haunted Boulder City Ghost and UFO Tour: $20
- Hola Intramuros Historical Tour: $20
- Tom Devlin's Monster Museum Self-Guided Tour: $20
- Nostalgia Street Rods Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLas Vegas $55Calgary $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $35
- Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $35
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Bars Unknown: The Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
- Vegas Country Bar Crawl: Party Bus & Drinks Included: $59
- Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $59
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
- NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
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 Las Vegas and Calgary, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Calgary?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.