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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular and touristy beach destinations on the South Atlantic coast. It's a popular spring break destination for college kids and there is no shortage of hotels and entertainment options along the beach front. It's also well known as a golfing destination, and it has some wonderful seafood restaurants and shopping areas. If you're looking for a natural, relaxed beach destination, Myrtle Beach is not your best option, but if you're looking for the thrills of club hopping, wonderful food options, and souvenir shopping opportunities, then Myrtle Beach is where it's at.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Myrtle Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, 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 Myrtle Beach and Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach 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.

Hotels in Myrtle Beach


Hotels in Whistler


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Whistler $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
  • Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler and Myrtle Beach 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 day
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

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.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Ghosts and Pirates Haunted City Walking Tour: $26
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Ghosts Tour: $30
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • The Comedy Shoppe at Wonders Theatre Ticket: $40
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour: $40
  • Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour: $41
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $41

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 day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Whistler $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 Myrtle Beach and Whistler, we can see that Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Whistler?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Whistler. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Myrtle Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Whistler. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Whistler can be very cold during winter. Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Myrtle Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)