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

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. New York City is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See New York City travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

New York City and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Vancouver, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, and christmas markets, while Vancouver is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Vancouver and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere.

How is New York City different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either New York City or Vancouver.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Is New York City or Vancouver Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Vancouver is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. 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.

Vancouver is not a theatre destination.

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

New York City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. 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 New York City or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a world class party destination. 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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 New York City or Vancouver Better for Music?

New York City is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Vancouver is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Vancouver?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both New York City and Vancouver.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. 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.

The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Is New York City or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

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.

Is New York City or Vancouver Better for Families?

Both New York City and Vancouver are excellent family-friendly destinations.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 New York City or Vancouver Better for Couples?

New York City and Vancouver both terrific destinations for a couple.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Is New York City or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City and Vancouver are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is New York City or Vancouver Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

New York City is a very popular place to visit 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.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Visitors will find terrific public transit in both New York City and Vancouver.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vancouver can take you anywhere. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Is New York City or Vancouver a more walkable city?

New York City and Vancouver are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. 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.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in New York City or Vancouver?

In either New York City or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than Vancouver because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Vancouver. 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 Vancouver. 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Vancouver?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in New York City or Vancouver?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse big city of Vancouver. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in New York City or Vancouver?

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Vancouver. 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. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Vancouver, we can see that New York City 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 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 Vancouver.

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 Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, New York City or Vancouver?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Vancouver. The summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

New York City is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New York City usually receives more rain than Vancouver. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New York City or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New York City as well as Vancouver. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Additionally, 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 the autumn, New York City is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. New York City usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. In January, New York City is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, New York City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New York City or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and New York City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

New York City is a little warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. New York City usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and New York City