Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Charlotte or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
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 Charlotte and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Whistler?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 dayCharlotte $191Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $191, 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 Charlotte and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte
Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $54
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): 1-Way Transfer to Charlotte: $99
- Arrival Transfer: Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte in Business Car: $133
- Departure Transfer: Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT in Business Car: $133
- Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
- Charlotte Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Charlotte 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 dayCharlotte $46Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
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.Charlotte $43Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: Smartphone Audio & GPS Tour: $6.50
- Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour - Smartphone guided audio/gps Tour at your own pace: $6.75
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Charlotte by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $12
- Uptown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City: $12
- Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- UPTOWN AT SUNDOWN: 1 Hour Guided Arts Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Charlotte by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Charlotte Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
- Charlottesville: Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
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 dayCharlotte $20Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:
- 3-Hour Brewery Crawl on 7 passenger Cart: $48
- Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $48
- Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte: $240
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 Charlotte and Whistler, we can see that Charlotte 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 Charlotte would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlotte 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Whistler?
Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.
In the summer, Charlotte is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 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 JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Whistler. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 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, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Whistler. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 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 OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can be very cold during winter. Charlotte is a little warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Charlotte often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Charlotte usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 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 JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Charlotte is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Charlotte gets 273 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, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Whistler. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 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 AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Whistler | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.