Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Phoenix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Phoenix or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Whistler can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Phoenix or Whistler?
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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 Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhoenix $238Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Phoenix is $238, 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 Phoenix and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhoenix $144Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhoenix $288Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Phoenix and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Phoenix 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: Phoenix Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phoenix $39Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
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 Phoenix or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Phoenix 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 dayPhoenix $52Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
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.Phoenix $40Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
- Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- Private Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
- Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
- Scottsdale Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Tempe Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
- Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
- Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour : $39
- Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour: $39
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 dayPhoenix $17Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
- Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215
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 Phoenix and Whistler, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Whistler?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
Phoenix usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 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 JulyPhoenix 98°F (36°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Phoenix or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Whistler. The autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Phoenix gets 305 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, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Whistler. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 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 OctoberPhoenix 79°F (26°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Phoenix or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Whistler. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. Phoenix is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the winter, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 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 JanuaryPhoenix 58°F (14°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Phoenix or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Phoenix is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Phoenix gets 355 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, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Whistler. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 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 AprilPhoenix 74°F (23°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Phoenix
| Phoenix | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 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.