A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palm Springs vs. Calgary for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Palm Springs or Calgary?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a ritzy, chic, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Palm Springs and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Palm Springs and Calgary are popular destinations, Palm Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palm Springs is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also well known for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Palm Springs different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palm Springs or Calgary?

Both Palm Springs and Calgary have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Palm Springs or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palm Springs. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Palm Springs or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Calgary?

Palm Springs is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Palm Springs is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs or Calgary Better for Families?

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

Palm Springs is a very kid-friendly city. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs or Calgary Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Palm Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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 Palm Springs or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is very good for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

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

Calgary is very good for its public transit. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre 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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Palm Springs or Calgary a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Palm Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palm Springs or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palm Springs than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Palm Springs, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

One day in Palm Springs or Calgary?

In Palm Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Calgary?

In Palm Springs, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

Calgary is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Palm Springs or Calgary?

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the local destination of Calgary. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palm Springs or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Palm Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, 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 Palm Springs and Calgary, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs 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.