Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Arlington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Arlington or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Whistler, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Arlington or Whistler?
Arlington
Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, capital of the United States, Arlington is a city that also has many government sites and monuments that commemorate the nation's past. Two of its most famous features include Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon-the largest office building in the world.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArlington $264Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $125. 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 Arlington and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArlington $131Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArlington $262Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Arlington and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Arlington 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Arlington Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arlington $49Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington
Also for Arlington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Arlington 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
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Food Meals for one dayArlington $81Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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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: $131
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arlington $11Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $111
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $155
- Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour : $218
- Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
- Full Day Fly Fishing Tour: $249
- Full Day Spin Fishing Tour: $249
- Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Seaplane from Whistler: $183
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Half Day Fly Fishing Tour: $196
- Half Day Spin Fishing Tour: $194
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayArlington $17Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Whistler, we can see that Arlington 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington 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 Arlington Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Arlington or Whistler?
Arlington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Arlington 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 Arlington or Whistler?
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.
Should I visit Arlington or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Arlington is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whistler. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the summer, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyArlington 79°F (26°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Arlington or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.
In October, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Arlington usually receives less rain than Whistler. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberArlington 60°F (15°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Arlington or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Arlington. Arlington is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryArlington 35°F (1°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Arlington or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Whistler.
In the spring, Arlington is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Arlington usually receives less rain than Whistler. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilArlington 56°F (14°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Arlington
| Arlington | 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.