Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Gainesville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gainesville or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville 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: Gainesville or Whistler?
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.
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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-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 dayGainesville $221Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $221, 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 Gainesville and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGainesville $119Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGainesville $238Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Gainesville 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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gainesville $40Whistler $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 Gainesville or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Gainesville 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 dayGainesville $70Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
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Diner Breakfast for Two$17
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Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
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.Gainesville $44Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
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Manatee Tour for Two$98
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Tour Guide Tip$5.00
Tours and Activities in Gainesville
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
- Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
- Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250
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 dayGainesville $49Whistler $8.72
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 Gainesville and Whistler, we can see that Gainesville 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 Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville 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 Gainesville Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Whistler?
Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the family-friendly experiences.
Gainesville is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Whistler. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 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 JulyGainesville 81°F (27°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Gainesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year.
In the autumn, Gainesville is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGainesville 71°F (22°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Whistler. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Whistler. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 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 JanuaryGainesville 54°F (12°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Whistler.
Gainesville is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGainesville 69°F (20°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Gainesville
| Gainesville | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 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.