Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Santa Barbara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santa Barbara or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santa Barbara 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: Santa Barbara or Whistler?
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 daySanta Barbara $162Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Santa Barbara is $162, 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 Santa Barbara and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanta Barbara $88Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanta Barbara $176Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Santa Barbara and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Santa Barbara 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: Santa Barbara Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santa Barbara $42Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $93
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $93
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 Santa Barbara or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Santa Barbara 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 daySanta Barbara $46Whistler $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.Santa Barbara $27Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Santa Barbara, CA: $15
- Crime Solving Detective Experience Goleta / Isla Vista : $15
- Solvang City Self Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Solvang Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $22
- Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $30
- Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Santa Barbara Ghost History and Mystery Walking Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible": $55
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor: $55
- The Haunt: Solvang Ghost Hunting Tour: $55
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySanta Barbara $12Whistler $8.72
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk with Ghost Storytelling: $105
- 6 hours Private Wine Tour of the Santa Ynez Valley: $179
- Solvang Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $185
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $194
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley: $199
- 6 hour Private Wine Tour of Santa Barbara County : $199
- Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley (All-Inclusive & Full-Day): $215
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $219
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
- Taco Tour & Wine Tasting Funk Zone Santa Barbara: $245
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 Santa Barbara and Whistler, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Whistler?
Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Santa Barbara is around the same temperature as Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Barbara in July average around 65°F (19°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In July, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Whistler. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySanta Barbara 65°F (19°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Santa Barbara during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Santa Barbara is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 62°F (17°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSanta Barbara 62°F (17°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Whistler. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Santa Barbara is much warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Whistler. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySanta Barbara 52°F (11°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Santa Barbara or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Whistler. The spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Santa Barbara is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Barbara in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSanta Barbara 57°F (14°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Santa Barbara
| Santa Barbara | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.