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

Should you visit Ocean City or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Vancouver? 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 energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Ocean City and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park.

How is Ocean City different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. 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.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Is Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Both Ocean City and Vancouver are superb when it comes to partying.

Ocean City offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Vancouver has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. 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.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is great for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Families?

Ocean City 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, Ocean City is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Ocean City or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a well-known place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

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.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vancouver can get you around easily. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Vancouver?

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

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Vancouver. 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 Vancouver than Ocean City. 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 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 Vancouver.

One day in Ocean City or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Ocean City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Vancouver?

You'll find food and nightlife around the laid back destination of Ocean City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic city of Ocean City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Vancouver, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Vancouver?

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

Vancouver 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean 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 Ocean City or Vancouver?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In October, Ocean City is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. Ocean City is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ocean City is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ocean City usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Ocean City