A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phoenix vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Phoenix or Vancouver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Vancouver can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Phoenix travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Vancouver travel costs.

Phoenix and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Phoenix. Vancouver is bigger than Phoenix, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Phoenix or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Is the Food Better in Phoenix or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Vancouver has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Vancouver has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Vancouver specifically to go shopping. 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Vancouver. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

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

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Phoenix or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Vancouver?

In either Phoenix or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Phoenix because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vancouver than Phoenix. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Phoenix or Vancouver?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Vancouver 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Phoenix or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the desert city of Phoenix. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Phoenix or Vancouver?

Phoenix is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, 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 Phoenix and Vancouver, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phoenix or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Phoenix during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the autumn, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Phoenix usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Phoenix is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Phoenix or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Vancouver. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Phoenix is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the spring, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Phoenix