Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hot Springs or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Whistler? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hot Springs or Whistler?
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 dayHot Springs $182Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, 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 Hot Springs and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs 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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71
- Hot Springs Resorts to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Transfer: $143
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 Hot Springs or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Hot Springs 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 dayHot Springs $52Whistler $30
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.Hot Springs $30Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs, AR: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park Ticket: $44
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
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 dayHot Springs $22Whistler $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 Hot Springs and Whistler, we can see that Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Whistler?
Hot Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Hot Springs is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 83°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 Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Whistler. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 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 JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Hot Springs is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hot Springs in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Hot Springs gets 254 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. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 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 OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Whistler.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Hot Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Hot Springs is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 40°F (4°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 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, Hot Springs usually receives less rain than Whistler. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 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 JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Whistler.
Hot Springs is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Whistler. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 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 AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 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.