A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Los Angeles vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a dynamic, glamourous, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Los Angeles travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Los Angeles and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Los Angeles or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Calgary, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Los Angeles different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Los Angeles or Calgary?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Los Angeles are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive 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 Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is well known for its theatre productions. However, Calgary is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Calgary is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Los Angeles or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Music?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Calgary is not a live music destination.

Is Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Los Angeles, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a 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 Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Around Los Angeles visitors will find world-class hiking trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Los Angeles or Calgary?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Families?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Couples?

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

Los Angeles is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

Calgary is a good 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 Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Los Angeles is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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.

Is Los Angeles or Calgary Better for Students?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Los Angeles and Calgary.

Los Angeles has some public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

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.

Is Los Angeles or Calgary a more walkable city?

Los Angeles is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable place. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable 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 Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Los Angeles?

How long in Los Angeles or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Los Angeles or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Los Angeles than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Los Angeles, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Los Angeles or Calgary?

Because Los Angeles is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the western city of Calgary. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Los Angeles or Calgary?

Because Los Angeles 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. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Calgary. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Los Angeles or Calgary?

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The authentic city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Los Angeles or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Because Los Angeles 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Calgary. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Calgary?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Los Angeles 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.