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

Should you visit Atlantic City or Whistler?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Whistler. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Atlantic City or Whistler?

Atlantic City

Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Atlantic City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, 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 Atlantic City and Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City


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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Whistler $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
  • Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler and Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $50
    Whistler $30

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: $131
  • Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Whistler $78

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

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

  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Sea Rocket Sunrise Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $22
  • Sea Rocket Early Bird Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
  • Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $34
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $40
  • OC Bay Hopper - Ice Cream Cruise: $40

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: $6.31
  • Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
  • Vallea Lumina Multimedia Experience: $35
  • The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
  • Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $78
  • Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
  • Rock Climbing Beginner Experience: $94
  • Whistler Valley Tour by Seaplane: 20-Minute Flight: $102
  • Sky-Walk Mountain Climbing Tour: $102
  • Whistler Glacier Discovery Tour: $103
  • Guided eBike Adventure: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Whistler $8.72

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15

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 Atlantic City and Whistler, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Whistler?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Whistler?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Whistler. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Whistler. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Atlantic City is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlantic City in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. The weather in Atlantic City can be very cold. In January, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 31°F (-0°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Whistler. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

Atlantic City is a little warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 51°F (10°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)