A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Whistler for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana or Whistler?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Whistler?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Whistler

Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Whistler Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Whistler $146

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Havana and Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Havana and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Havana or Whistler? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Havana


Hotels in Whistler


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Whistler $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

  • Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
  • Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
  • Whistler to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler and Havana change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Havana $18
    Whistler $52
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Typical Food Prices in Whistler

Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:


  • Coffee at Starbucks
    $12
  • Tim Hortons Breakfast
    $12
  • Coffee at Timmy's
    $3.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.

  • Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
  • Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Whistler $78

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:


  • Driving Range
    $15

Tours and Activities in Whistler

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:

  • Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.05
  • Whistler Mountain Peeks Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • Audain Art Museum - Special Exhibition Public Guided Tour: $17
  • 4 Tour Audio Adventure between Whistler & Lake Louise: $22
  • One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $35
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure with Geocaching in Whistler: $36
  • Vallea Lumina Multimedia Evening Experience: $45
  • The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
  • Tour, Immersive Nature Experience: $52
  • Tour, Sensory Nature Experience for Families: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Whistler $8.72
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Whistler, we can see that Whistler is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Whistler is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Whistler would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whistler than you might in Havana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Havana or Whistler?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Whistler, 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 Havana or Whistler?

Whistler has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Havana is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Havana usually receives around the same amount of rain as Whistler. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Havana or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Havana as well as Whistler. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Havana is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Havana usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Havana or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Whistler can be very cold during winter. Havana is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Whistler. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Havana or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Havana during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Whistler because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Havana is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Havana

Havana Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)