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

Should you visit Beaufort or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort 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: Beaufort or Whistler?

Beaufort

The second oldest city in South Carolina (next to Charleston), Beaufort was charted in 1711 and grew from a shipbuilding community to a slave society of elite planters and finally to the small southern town as it sits today. Beaufort's historic character and architecture has made it a popular tourist destination with much to offer in sightseeing, seaside activities, and maritime history.

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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Beaufort?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $131, 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 Beaufort and Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaufort $100
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaufort $200
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Beaufort 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 Beaufort


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: Beaufort Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaufort -
    Whistler $20

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 Downtown Vancouver: $570
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler and Beaufort 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
    Beaufort $31
    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.
    Beaufort -
    Whistler $78

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

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

  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55

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
    Beaufort -
    Whistler $8.72

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 Beaufort and Whistler, we can see that Beaufort 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 Beaufort Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Whistler?

Beaufort has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beaufort is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Whistler. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. In July, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Whistler. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaufort 82°F (28°C) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Beaufort or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Beaufort during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In the autumn, Beaufort is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the autumn, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beaufort usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beaufort 68°F (20°C) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Beaufort or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Whistler. Many travelers come to Beaufort for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Whistler. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaufort 48°F (9°C) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Beaufort or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Beaufort is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the spring, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Beaufort usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaufort 67°F (19°C) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Beaufort

Beaufort Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)