A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marathon vs. Whistler for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Marathon or Whistler?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon 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: Marathon or Whistler?

Marathon

You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.

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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marathon and Whistler, we can see that Marathon 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 Marathon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marathon 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 Marathon Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Whistler?

Whistler has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marathon is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Whistler. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives less rain than Whistler. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Whistler. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Marathon is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Marathon gets 326 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, Marathon usually receives less rain than Whistler. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Marathon