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

Should you visit Ocean City or Calgary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ocean City or Calgary? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Ocean City and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ocean City. Although Ocean City and Calgary are both popular with visitors, Ocean City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ocean City is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Calgary is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also home to the Ocean City boardwalk. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Ocean City different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calgary is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Ocean City is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ocean City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Ocean City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is well known for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Calgary?

Calgary is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Calgary to go shopping. 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Calgary Better for Families?

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

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Calgary Better for Couples?

Ocean City is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

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

Calgary is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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 Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Calgary a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Calgary both are decent when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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 Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Calgary?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Ocean City 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 Calgary.

One day in Ocean City or Calgary?

In Ocean City, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the western city of Calgary, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Ocean City or Calgary?

In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Calgary, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Calgary?

Ocean City 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 Ocean City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. In Ocean City, you'll find food and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Calgary, we can see that Ocean City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ocean City Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean 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.