A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wisconsin Dells vs. Vernon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon? 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: Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Wisconsin Dells

Located in central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells offers natural beauty, fun rivers, and some of the area's most famous theme parks. Wisconsin Dells is one of the two towns that make up "The Dells." The other town, Lake Delton, is another popular Midwestern tourist spot.

Wisconsin Dells is about an hour north of Madison and two hours from Milwaukee. It's famous for its striking rock formations and scenic bluffs. The town's name comes from the Dells of the Wisconsin River, which is an impressive gorge that was originally formed by a glacier.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Wisconsin Dells?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $142, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $30. 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 Wisconsin Dells and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells or Vernon? 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 Wisconsin Dells


Hotels in Vernon


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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    Vernon -

Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $43
    Vernon $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Vernon -

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $16
  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Vernon, we can see that Wisconsin Dells is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Wisconsin Dells would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wisconsin Dells than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Vernon, 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 Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

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 Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Vernon. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)


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