A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Savannah vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Savannah or Calgary?

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

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. Savannah is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Savannah travel costs.

Calgary

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

Savannah and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Savannah or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Savannah than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Savannah, Savannah has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Savannah and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Savannah is famous for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also well known for Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Calgary?

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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.


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

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah 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 Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

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 Savannah or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Calgary

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

Savannah is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

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 Savannah or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah is a city with good options for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Savannah. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Calgary is not a beach destination.


Is Savannah or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah is well known for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Savannah is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Calgary?

Savannah
Calgary

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

Savannah is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland 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 Savannah or Calgary More Beautiful?

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Savannah or Calgary Better for Families?

Savannah
Calgary

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Calgary.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Calgary is a family-friendly city. 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 Savannah or Calgary Better for Couples?

Savannah
Calgary

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

Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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 Savannah or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Calgary

Both Savannah and Calgary are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

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.


Is Savannah or Calgary Better for Students?

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah is a city with good options for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Savannah
Calgary

Calgary is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Calgary a more walkable city?

Savannah
Calgary

Savannah is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Savannah is a very walkable city. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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 Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Savannah or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Savannah than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Savannah or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Savannah or Calgary?

In Savannah, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Calgary offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Savannah or Calgary?

In Savannah, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Savannah has to offer.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Calgary?

Savannah is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Savannah or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Savannah. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Savannah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Savannah Prices
    USA Prices
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Savannah $202
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $202, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Savannah and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Savannah or Calgary? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Savannah


Hotels in Calgary


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Savannah Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah (SAV) Airport: $36
  • Private Savannah Airport to Tybee Island Transfer : $100
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $243
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $243
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from Savannah Int'l: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $45
  • Experience Private Airport Transfer in Calgary: $52
  • From Bus Transfer to Banff: $60
  • Banff Lake Louise or Canmore and Calgary Private Shuttle Transfer: $61
  • Calgary Airport to Banff and Beyond Transfer Service: $65
  • Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $72
  • Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $86
  • Calgary Downtown Transfers: $86
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
  • Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $110
  • Private Transfer within Calgary from Airport or Hotels: $111
  • Departure Private Transfer: Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Savannah change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Savannah $99
    Calgary $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.

  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Southern & Secret Walking Food Tour: $92
  • Southern and Secret Food Tour: $92
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $93
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $93
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $97
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska in Savannah: $109
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $125
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $125
  • Savannah’s Palate – Private Historic Food Tour: $1,429

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Calgary $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Savannah in 6 Languages: $5.00
  • Savannah Waterfront: Pirate Adventure Walking Game: $5.98
  • Savannah Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.69
  • Self-Guided 'Old Squares of Savannah' Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Ghosts of Savannah Self-Guided Haunted Audio Tour App/EMF Reader: $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Savannah by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Ghost Tour Through Savannah Shadows: $10
  • Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket: $10
  • Savannah’s Historical District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Haunted Savannah Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Historic Savannah Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Savannah GA: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.63
  • Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.18
  • Discover Calgary with 3 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
  • Shared Tour from Calgary to Moraine, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake: $28
  • Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $28
  • Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $29
  • Victoria Park Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
  • Calgary Self Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $42
  • Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Half Day Tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Calgary $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Haunted Hops Savannah Pub Tour Spirits and Brews: $25
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bad Kitty Pub Crawl, Spooky Naughty Ghosts: $30
  • Savannah Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32
  • Moonlight Happy Hour Haunted Pub Crawl With Captain Stoner: $33
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $33
  • Moonlight Happy Hour Pub Crawl with Captain Stoner: $33
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $33
  • 10 to Midnight Happy Hour and Haunted Pub Crawl w/ the Captain: $33
  • Late Night Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $88


When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Calgary, we can see that Savannah 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 Savannah Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Savannah 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.