Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Lancaster?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lancaster or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster 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: Lancaster or Whistler?
Lancaster
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours 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 dayLancaster $183Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, 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 Lancaster and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLancaster $91Whistler $65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLancaster $182Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Lancaster 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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lancaster $69Whistler $20
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 Lancaster or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Lancaster 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 dayLancaster $53Whistler $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
- Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65
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.Lancaster $19Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
- Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
- 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
- Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
- Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
- Lancaster Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $24
- Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
- Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
- Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
- Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
- Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
- Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour: $70
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:
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLancaster $11Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
- Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79
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 Lancaster and Whistler, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Whistler?
Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Lancaster during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Lancaster is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lancaster in July average around 77°F (25°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 Lancaster. In the summer, Lancaster often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Lancaster usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLancaster 77°F (25°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Lancaster or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Whistler. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.
In October, Lancaster is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 56°F (13°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Lancaster gets 194 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, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Whistler. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLancaster 56°F (13°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Lancaster or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Whistler. Many travelers come to Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Lancaster is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Lancaster often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Lancaster usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLancaster 30°F (-1°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Lancaster or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Lancaster is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lancaster in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. Lancaster usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Lancaster gets 237 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, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Whistler. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLancaster 53°F (12°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Lancaster
| Lancaster | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°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.