Vancouver Travel Budget
How much does it cost to visit Vancouver, Canada? Plan your budget with our interactive calculator.
Estimated Total for 7 Days
C$1,400
Travel Style
Midrange
Destination
Travel Style
Compare by Travel Style
See how your 7-day trip budget varies across backpacker, midrange, and comfortable travel styles.
Largest Expense
Accommodation
42% of total budget
Price Level
Expensive
Compared to global average
Local Currency
CAD
Symbol: C$
Where Your Money Goes
Understanding your spending helps you travel smarter and stretch your budget further
Daily vs Total Cost
Switch between daily and total views to understand your spending
C$1,400
Total for 7 days
Accommodation
C$588
for 7 days
Food & Dining
C$350
for 7 days
Transport
C$140
for 7 days
Activities
C$252
for 7 days
Other
C$70
for 7 days
Planning Tip
Book accommodations early and compare prices across platforms. Mid-week stays often offer better rates than weekend arrivals, and flexibility with dates can save you up to 25%.
A Day in Vancouver
See exactly what a real day costs, with insider tips for each expense
A Budget Day in Vancouver
Total: C$45
Coffee and breakfast sandwich at café
49th Parallel or JJ Bean for local roasts
Stanley Park seawall walk (free)
10km loop with forest, beach, and skyline
Sushi lunch in West End
Vancouver rivals Tokyo for quality and price
Granville Island Public Market
Free to browse, budget for samples
Sunset at English Bay Beach (free)
Join locals for nightly sunset ritual
Ramen dinner in West End
Marutama or Kintaro for authentic bowls
Transit day pass
SkyTrain, bus, and SeaBus included
Daily Total
7 activities
From Someone's Journal
Vancouver is nature wrapped in a city. Stanley Park seawall was the morning—forest on one side, ocean on the other, mountains everywhere. Sushi lunch that would cost twice as much anywhere else, thanks to the Pacific. Granville Island: buskers, cheese samples, watching boats through market windows. Sunset at English Bay joined by hundreds of others, all watching the same sky. Ramen dinner steamy and perfect. Spent $45 CAD and felt rich.
Memory Prompts for Vancouver
Reflect on your spending with these thoughtful prompts - perfect for your travel journal
How did the mountains meeting the ocean shape your experience?
Natural setting
Describe your best Asian food experience in Richmond or elsewhere.
Food diversity
What was your Stanley Park strategy—bike, walk, or both?
Park exploration
How did the rain affect your plans or mood?
Weather reality
Free Things to Do in Vancouver
Stretch your budget further with free attractions and insider money-saving tips
Walking Tours
Many cities offer free walking tours led by local guides who work on tips.
Public Parks
Explore local parks and gardens for relaxation and people-watching.
Historic Districts
Wander through historic neighborhoods and admire the architecture.
Local Markets
Browse local markets for free without purchasing - great for photography.
Viewpoints
Find free viewpoints for panoramic city views.
Religious Sites
Many churches, temples, and mosques offer free entry.
Street Art
Discover street art and murals throughout the city.
Waterfront Areas
Walk along rivers, harbors, or beaches.
Practical Tips for Vancouver
Getting Around
Public transportation is typically the most budget-friendly option. Look for multi-day passes for additional savings.
Where to Stay
Book accommodations in advance and consider staying slightly outside the center for better rates while maintaining good transport links.
Cheap Eats
Eat where locals eat for the best value. Markets, food halls, and neighborhoods away from tourist zones offer authentic meals at lower prices.
Tipping Guide
Research local tipping customs before you arrive. Practices vary significantly by destination.
Best Value Season
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) typically offer the best balance of good weather and lower prices.
Hidden Costs
Budget for unexpected expenses like entrance fees, service charges, and currency exchange rates. Keep 10-15% extra for contingencies.
Pro tip: Combine free activities with paid attractions for a balanced, budget-friendly itinerary
Neighborhood Guide for Vancouver
Find the perfect area to stay based on your budget and travel style
City Center
The main tourist and commercial district with major attractions and shopping.
Best For
Local Quarter
Residential areas with authentic local atmosphere and neighborhood restaurants.
Best For
Historic District
The oldest part of the city with historic architecture and cultural sites.
Best For
Emerging Area
Up-and-coming neighborhoods with creative spaces, cafés, and street art.
Best For
Location Tip
Consider staying in "moderate" neighborhoods for the best balance of cost and convenience. They often have better local restaurants, easier transport links, and more authentic experiences than the most central tourist areas—while still being safe and well-connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about traveling to Vancouver on a budget
A 7-day trip to Vancouver costs approximately C$1,400 for a midrange travel style. This breaks down to about C$200 per day, covering accommodation, food, local transportation, activities, and miscellaneous expenses.
Daily budgets in Vancouver vary by travel style: Budget/Backpacker travelers spend around C$90/day, Mid-range travelers spend C$200/day, and Comfortable travelers spend C$400/day. These estimates include accommodation, meals, local transport, and activities.
Vancouver is considered a relatively expensive destination for tourists. With mid-range daily costs of C$200, it requires careful planning to stay within budget compared to other popular destinations. The largest expense is typically accommodation (42% of budget).
Food typically accounts for about 25% of your daily budget in Vancouver. For a midrange experience, expect to spend around C$50 per day on meals. You can save money by eating at local restaurants rather than tourist spots.
Vancouver uses the CAD (C$). We recommend exchanging some cash before arrival for small purchases, though credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but check with your bank about international transaction fees.
Accommodation in Vancouver is the largest expense, typically representing 42% of your budget. For 7 days with a midrange travel style, expect to spend approximately C$588 total. Budget options include hostels, mid-range includes 3-star hotels, and comfortable options include 4-star hotels or premium vacation rentals.
To save money in Vancouver: 1) Book accommodation in advance for better rates, 2) Use public transportation instead of taxis, 3) Eat at local restaurants away from tourist areas, 4) Look for free walking tours and museum free days, 5) Travel during shoulder season for lower prices.
Yes! Vancouver offers many free attractions including parks, markets, historic neighborhoods, and free museum days. Research local free walking tours for an authentic experience.
Local transportation typically accounts for 10% of your budget in Vancouver. Public transportation is the most affordable option, while taxis and ride-shares cost more but offer convenience. Budget around C$20 per day for transport.
Tipping customs vary by destination. Research local practices before your trip. In Vancouver, it's best to follow local norms to show appreciation for good service.
Traveling during shoulder season (spring or fall) typically offers the best balance of good weather and lower prices. Avoid major holidays and local festivals when accommodation prices spike.
As with any popular destination, be aware of common tourist scams. Research local scams before traveling, keep valuables secure, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
Data Source
Budget and cost of living data sourced from Numbeo. Prices are estimates based on crowdsourced data and may vary
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Your 7-Day Budget
C$1,400
C$200 per day
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