A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers New York City vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See New York City travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

New York City and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Calgary. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is New York City different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Calgary?

New York City 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 New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City or Calgary Better for Theater?

New York City 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 New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Calgary is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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 New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City or Calgary Better for Music?

New York City 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 New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Calgary is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Calgary?

New York City 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 New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City or Calgary More Beautiful?

New York City is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New York City or Calgary Better for Families?

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

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City or Calgary Better for Couples?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City or Calgary Better for Students?

New York City is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Calgary is not popular with students.

Is New York City or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in New York City can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is New York City or Calgary a more walkable city?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or New York City?

How long in New York City or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in New York City or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in New York City 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 New York City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Calgary?

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Calgary. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in New York City or Calgary?

Because New York City 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in New York City or Calgary?

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in New York City or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Calgary. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, New York City or Calgary?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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.