A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monterey vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Monterey or Vancouver?

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 Monterey and Vancouver. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Monterey travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

Monterey and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Monterey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Monterey is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park.

How is Monterey different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monterey or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Monterey or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Monterey and Vancouver can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Vancouver makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Monterey and Vancouver.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

Vancouver is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Vancouver is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Vancouver specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Monterey is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Monterey or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Families?

Monterey is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly city. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Vancouver is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Monterey is not popular with students.

Many students visit Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Monterey is not popular with students.

Is Monterey or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Monterey is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Monterey or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Vancouver?

In either Monterey or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Monterey because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Monterey 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 Vancouver.

One day in Monterey or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Monterey. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Vancouver?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. 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.

Vancouver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Monterey. 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.

Vancouver is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vancouver, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Vancouver?

Monterey 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.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey or Vancouver?

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 Monterey or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Vancouver. The summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In the summer, Monterey is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Monterey in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Vancouver. The shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Monterey is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 62°F (17°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vancouver can get quite cold in the winter. Monterey is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Monterey usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Monterey during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Monterey is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Monterey in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Monterey