Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Detroit?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Detroit or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit 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: Detroit or Whistler?
Detroit
Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week 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 dayDetroit $133Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $133, 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 Detroit and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDetroit $64Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDetroit $128Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Detroit 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: Detroit Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Detroit $37Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit
Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
- Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
- Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
- Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
- Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
- Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
- Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
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 Detroit or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Detroit 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 dayDetroit $44Whistler $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit
For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104
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.Detroit $21Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Detroit
For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
- Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
- Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
- Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
- Ghosts and Spirits Haunted 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 dayDetroit $20Whistler $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 Detroit and Whistler, we can see that Detroit 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 Detroit Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Detroit or Whistler?
Detroit has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 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 Detroit this time of the year. In the summer, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 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 JulyDetroit 74°F (24°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Detroit or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.
Detroit is a little warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Detroit gets 172 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, Detroit usually receives less rain than Whistler. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 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 OctoberDetroit 54°F (12°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Detroit or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit 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 Detroit. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Detroit gets 120 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. Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 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 JanuaryDetroit 25°F (-4°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Detroit or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Whistler. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Detroit gets 223 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, Detroit usually receives less rain than Whistler. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 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 AprilDetroit 49°F (9°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Detroit
| Detroit | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°F (-4°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 37°F (3°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 49°F (9°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 43°F (6°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 31°F (-1°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.