Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Nags Head?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nags Head or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nags Head 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: Nags Head or Whistler?
Nags Head
Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 dayNags Head $149Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNags Head $80Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNags Head $160Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nags Head $40Whistler $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 Nags Head or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Nags Head 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 dayNags Head $41Whistler $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.Nags Head $14Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Nags Head
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
- Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- OBX Ghost Tours: $25
- Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
- Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
- 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
- Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
- Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNags Head $12Whistler $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 Nags Head and Whistler, we can see that Nags Head 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 Nags Head would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Whistler?
Whistler has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Nags Head during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences.
Nags Head is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°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 Nags Head. In the summer, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNags Head 78°F (26°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Nags Head or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Whistler.
In the autumn, Nags Head is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 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, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Whistler. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNags Head 62°F (16°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Nags Head or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Nags Head can be very cold during winter. In January, Nags Head is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nags Head usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNags Head 41°F (5°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Nags Head or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Nags Head is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Nags Head gets 262 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, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Whistler. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNags Head 59°F (15°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Nags Head
| Nags Head | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 42°F (6°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (25°C) | 5 inches (127 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (16°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 45°F (7°C) | 3.4 inches (85 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.