A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampa vs. Vancouver for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tampa or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Tampa or Vancouver? 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse 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 hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Tampa and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Tampa. Vancouver is bigger than Tampa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Vancouver is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Tampa is great for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Vancouver.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Vancouver is 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.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Vancouver?

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

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

You'll find food around the city of Tampa. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Each neighborhood in Vancouver has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Tampa or Vancouver?

You'll find food around the easy-going destination of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the low-key city of Tampa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Vancouver has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Vancouver?

Tampa is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampa and Vancouver, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tampa is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Vancouver. The autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. Tampa is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tampa is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Tampa