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

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

Where Should I go: Pensacola or Whistler?

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Pensacola?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Whistler $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

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.
    Pensacola $13
    Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
  • Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50

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
    Pensacola $44
    Whistler $8.72

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21

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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Whistler?

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

Both Whistler and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

In July, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Whistler. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Pensacola is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Whistler. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Pensacola is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Whistler. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months.

In April, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Pensacola usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Pensacola

Pensacola Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)