Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Norfolk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Norfolk or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Norfolk 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: Norfolk or Whistler?
Norfolk
The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.
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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 dayNorfolk $166Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $166, 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 Norfolk and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNorfolk $84Whistler $65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNorfolk $168Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Norfolk 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: Norfolk Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Norfolk $54Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:
- Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275
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 Norfolk or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Norfolk 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 dayNorfolk $49Whistler $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.
- Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
- Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
- Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
- Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $169
- Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182
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.Norfolk $14Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Norfolk
Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22
- Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
- Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
- Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
- Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $67
- Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $84
- Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $95
- Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
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 dayNorfolk $10Whistler $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 Norfolk and Whistler, we can see that Norfolk 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 Norfolk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Norfolk 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Whistler?
Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Whistler. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences.
Norfolk is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Whistler. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNorfolk 79°F (26°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Norfolk or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Norfolk is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Norfolk in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In the autumn, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Norfolk usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNorfolk 62°F (16°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Norfolk or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Norfolk can be very cold during winter. In January, Norfolk is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 39°F (4°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Norfolk gets 168 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, Norfolk usually receives less rain than Whistler. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNorfolk 39°F (4°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Norfolk or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit.
Norfolk is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the spring, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Norfolk gets 253 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. Norfolk usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNorfolk 58°F (14°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Norfolk
| Norfolk | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 39°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 49°F (10°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 58°F (14°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.7 inches (145 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (25°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 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.