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

Should you visit Seattle or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Vancouver, 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Seattle 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Seattle and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seattle or Vancouver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Seattle than Vancouver. While Vancouver is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is better known for its theatre productions, music, and beaches, while Vancouver is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere.

How is Seattle different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vancouver is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for theatre. However, Vancouver is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Vancouver is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Seattle and Vancouver.

Dining out in Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vancouver. 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.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Seattle and Vancouver.

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Vancouver has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Seattle or Vancouver Better for Music?

Seattle is great for live music. However, Vancouver is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle draws a good crowd. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Vancouver?

Vancouver is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Seattle or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and 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.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Seattle or Vancouver Better for Students?

Seattle and Vancouver are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

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

Vancouver is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Vancouver has a great public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Seattle or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Vancouver?

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

Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Seattle. 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle or Vancouver?

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

In Vancouver, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Seattle or Vancouver?

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

In Vancouver, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Seattle or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive city of Seattle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Seattle or Vancouver?

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in 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 Seattle and Vancouver, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seattle is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seattle in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In the summer, Seattle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Seattle usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Seattle is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 54°F (12°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Seattle usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Seattle during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Seattle is a little warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 42°F (5°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. Seattle usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Vancouver. The spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In the spring, Seattle is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seattle in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Seattle usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Seattle