Which place is cheaper, Whistler or San Diego?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Diego or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Diego and Whistler. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Diego or Whistler?
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 daySan Diego $202Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in San Diego is $202, 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 San Diego and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Diego $115Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Diego $230Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in San Diego and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in San Diego 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: San Diego Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Diego $24Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74
- Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego city hotels: $74
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 San Diego or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and San Diego 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 daySan Diego $45Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
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.San Diego $48Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.30
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
- San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
- San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
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 daySan Diego $21Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $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 San Diego and Whistler, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Diego or Whistler?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and San Diego during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, San Diego is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 71°F (22°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Diego. In the summer, San Diego often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. San Diego gets 306 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.
San Diego usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 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 JulySan Diego 71°F (22°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit San Diego or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and Whistler. Most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
San Diego is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Diego usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. San Diego gets 244 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, San Diego usually receives less rain than Whistler. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 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 OctoberSan Diego 68°F (20°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit San Diego or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Diego as well as Whistler. The winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. In the winter, San Diego is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Diego in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In the winter, San Diego often gets more sunshine than Whistler. San Diego gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. San Diego usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 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 JanuarySan Diego 57°F (14°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit San Diego or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In April, San Diego is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 62°F (17°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. San Diego usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. San Diego gets 277 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, San Diego usually receives less rain than Whistler. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 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 AprilSan Diego 62°F (17°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and San Diego
| San Diego | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.