Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Ketchikan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ketchikan or Whistler?
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKetchikan $220Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Ketchikan is $220, 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 Ketchikan and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKetchikan $136Whistler $65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKetchikan $272Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Ketchikan and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Ketchikan 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: Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ketchikan $39Whistler $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Bus Ride$1.00
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 Ketchikan or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Ketchikan 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 dayKetchikan $53Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
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.Ketchikan $46Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
-
Duck Tour (one person)$38
-
Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Husky Walking Tour: $49
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan Highlights Private Tour: $69
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience: $89
- Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars: $95
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 dayKetchikan $23Whistler $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 Ketchikan and Whistler, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Whistler?
Whistler has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
Ketchikan is cooler than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 58°F (15°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In July, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Whistler. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKetchikan 58°F (15°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Ketchikan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ketchikan is cooler than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ketchikan in October average around 46°F (8°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in October than Whistler. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKetchikan 46°F (8°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Whistler. Many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Whistler can be very cold during winter. Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 34°F (1°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Whistler. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKetchikan 34°F (1°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Ketchikan or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Ketchikan is cooler than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 44°F (6°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in April than Whistler. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKetchikan 44°F (6°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Ketchikan
| Ketchikan | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.