Comparison · Calgary vs Denver · Canada / United States
Calgary vs Denver
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: AceYYC, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Calgary for Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies, lower day-to-day costs and a short break; choose Denver for Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a milder winter. Calgary is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,441 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,441 km
- Less expensive
- Calgary
- Best time for Calgary
- June–September
- Best time for Denver
- June–September
Side by side
| Calgary | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | United States |
| Known for | Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies and Alberta beef | Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Craft beer |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 2 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $210–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -1°C (30°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | YYC | DEN |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Calgary for…
Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. Calgary is Alberta's largest city, spread along the Bow and Elbow rivers on the prairie with the Rocky Mountains visible on the western horizon. Most visitors pass through on the way to Banff, but the city repays a day or two: the Calgary Stampede every…
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Choose Denver for…
Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a milder winter. Denver sits on the high plains at about 1,609 metres — one mile above sea level — with the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains filling the western skyline. Its compact downtown links the restored Union Station, Larimer Square and LoDo with the Golden…
Top sights compared
| # | Calgary | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calgary Stampede | Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre |
| 2 | Studio Bell, National Music Centre | Denver Art Museum |
| 3 | Calgary Central Library | Colorado State Capitol |
| 4 | Calgary Tower | Denver Union Station |
| 5 | Peace Bridge and Prince's Island Park | Larimer Square |
Food compared
| Calgary | Denver |
|---|---|
| Alberta beef | Green chile |
| Ginger beef | Smothered breakfast burrito |
| Caesar | Denver omelette |
| Bison | Rocky Mountain oysters |
Which is cheaper?
Calgary is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 per person there, against $210–$350 in Denver (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Calgary on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,441 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 7 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Calgary or Denver cheaper?
Calgary is usually less expensive: about $170–$300 a day mid-range against $210–$350 (estimates).
+Is Calgary or Denver better for a first trip?
Pick Calgary for Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies, lower day-to-day costs and a short break, or Denver for Mile High City, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a milder winter.
+How far is Calgary from Denver?
About 1,441 km in a straight line.