A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pittsburgh vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Banff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Banff, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Banff travel costs.

Pittsburgh and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Banff?

Both Banff and Pittsburgh have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Pittsburgh is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Banff is known for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Banff is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Pittsburgh different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a must-visit destination for skiing. However, Pittsburgh is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Banff is among the best in the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Pittsburgh is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pittsburgh or Banff?

Pittsburgh is notable for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Pittsburgh offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Pittsburgh or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Banff has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Pittsburgh and Banff.

Many people head to Pittsburgh for the nightlife scene. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Banff has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Banff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Banff?

If you're looking to go shopping, Pittsburgh and Banff both offer plenty of good spots.

Pittsburgh has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Banff is a great destination for shopping. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh 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 Banff. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a must-visit destination for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh and Banff both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pittsburgh offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Banff has a few public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Is Pittsburgh or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Banff is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Banff?

In either Pittsburgh or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Pittsburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Pittsburgh, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Pittsburgh 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 Banff.

One day in Pittsburgh or Banff?

In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Pittsburgh or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Pittsburgh or Banff?

Pittsburgh is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pittsburgh. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff, a popular town, 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 town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Pittsburgh or Banff?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Pittsburgh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff 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 for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pittsburgh and Banff, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Banff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banff 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Banff.

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

Which is Bigger, Pittsburgh or Banff?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Pittsburgh and Banff, 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.