Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Austin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Austin or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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: Austin or Whistler?
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 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 dayAustin $142Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, 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 Austin and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAustin $56Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAustin $112Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Austin and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Austin 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: Austin Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Austin $47Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
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 Austin or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Austin 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 dayAustin $35Whistler $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Secret Food Tour: $97
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $107
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
- Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150
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.Austin $28Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
- Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
- Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
- The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
- Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
- Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
- Private 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience in Texas: $27
- Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
- City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
- Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAustin $28Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
- Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
- Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Whistler, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Austin Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Austin or Whistler?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Austin is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°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 Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Whistler. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAustin 87°F (30°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Austin or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Whistler. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the autumn, Austin often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Austin usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAustin 73°F (23°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Austin or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Austin usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Austin gets 163 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, Austin usually receives less rain than Whistler. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAustin 51°F (11°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Austin or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Austin is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Austin. In the spring, Austin often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Austin gets 209 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. Austin usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAustin 71°F (22°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Austin
| Austin | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.