Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 Washington and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.
Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Washington travel costs.
Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Whistler travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington. Although Washington and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Washington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Washington is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Whistler is known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and small town charm. Whistler is more touristy than Washington and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Washington is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Whistler and Washington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Whistler is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Washington is not a skiing destination.
Whistler is among the world's best ski destinations. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.
Washington is not a skiing destination.
Washington is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Washington that are not to be missed. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.
While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.
Washington is a well-known place for theatre. However, Whistler is not a theatre destination.
Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.
Whistler is not a theatre destination.
Washington is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.
Whistler has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.
The vibe at night is excellent in both Washington and Whistler.
Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.
Whistler has plenty to do after the sun goes down. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.
Washington is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Whistler is not a live music destination.
The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.
Whistler is not a live music destination.
Whistler is great for its luxury resorts. However, Washington is not a resort destination.
Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Whistler. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.
Washington is not a resort destination.
Whistler is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.
Many people visit Whistler specifically for its hiking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.
Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.
Washington is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Washington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.
Washington and Whistler both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.
Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.
The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.
Whistler is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.
Washington is a very kid-friendly city. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.
Both Washington and Whistler are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.
Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.
Whistler is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.
Whistler is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.
Whistler is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.
Washington is renowned for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.
Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.
Whistler is not popular with students.
Washington is renowned for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.
Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.
Public transit is mostly limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.
Washington is renowned for its walkability. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its high level of walkability.
It is easy to get around Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.
Whistler is a very walkable city. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.
In either Washington or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.
Families should spend more time in Whistler than Washington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Whistler, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Washington than Whistler. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Whistler 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 Washington.
Washington is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
With shopping and skiing around the adventurous village of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Whistler, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
Whistler is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $226, 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 Washington and Whistler in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Washington 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.
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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Washington 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Whistler, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Whistler.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Washington has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Whistler and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Washington is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Whistler. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Washington is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Washington usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Washington usually receives less rain than Whistler. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Washington often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Washington usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Whistler and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Whistler because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Washington is a little warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Whistler. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Washington | Whistler | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |