Comparison · Seattle vs Vancouver · United States / Canada
Seattle vs Vancouver
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jeffery Hayes, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Seattle for Pike Place Market and Space Needle; choose Vancouver for Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and lower day-to-day costs. Vancouver is generally less expensive, and the two are about 195 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 195 km
- Less expensive
- Vancouver
- Best time for Seattle
- June–September
- Best time for Vancouver
- June–September
Side by side
| Seattle | Vancouver | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Known for | Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Coffee culture | Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and Seafood and sushi |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$420 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 26°C (79°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Alki Beach | English Bay Beach |
| Airports | SEA, PAE | YVR |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Seattle for…
Pike Place Market and Space Needle. Seattle stretches along hills between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier visible to the southeast on clear days. Most first-time visitors stay downtown and walk to Pike Place Market, the rebuilt waterfront and Pioneer Square, then take the…
Choose Vancouver for…
Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and lower day-to-day costs. Vancouver sits on a peninsula between Burrard Inlet and False Creek, with the North Shore mountains rising across the water and Stanley Park's forest at the end of downtown. Visitors come for the seawall, beaches and mountain trails within minutes of the…
Top sights compared
| # | Seattle | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pike Place Market | Stanley Park and the seawall |
| 2 | Space Needle | Vancouver Aquarium |
| 3 | Chihuly Garden and Glass | Granville Island |
| 4 | Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park |
| 5 | Waterfront and Pier 62 | Lynn Canyon Park |
Food compared
| Seattle | Vancouver |
|---|---|
| Wild Pacific salmon | Sushi and the BC roll |
| Dungeness crab | Wild Pacific salmon |
| Pacific Northwest oysters | Spot prawns |
| Seattle-style hot dog | Japadog |
Which is cheaper?
Vancouver is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $200–$350 per person there, against $250–$420 in Seattle (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Vancouver on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Seattle and Vancouver are about 195 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Seattle and 4 in Vancouver.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Seattle or Vancouver cheaper?
Vancouver is usually less expensive: about $200–$350 a day mid-range against $250–$420 (estimates).
+Is Seattle or Vancouver better for a first trip?
Pick Seattle for Pike Place Market and Space Needle, or Vancouver for Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Seattle from Vancouver?
About 195 km in a straight line.