Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Wisconsin Dells?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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: Wisconsin Dells or Whistler?
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.
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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours 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 dayWisconsin Dells $142Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $142, 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 Wisconsin Dells and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWisconsin Dells $70Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWisconsin Dells $140Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells 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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Wisconsin Dells $35Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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
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Food Meals for one dayWisconsin Dells $43Whistler $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.Wisconsin Dells $46Whistler $78
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
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 dayWisconsin Dells $9.14Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When comparing the travel costs between Wisconsin Dells and Whistler, we can see that Wisconsin Dells is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Whistler?
Whistler has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Whistler. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Whistler. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 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 JulyWisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 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 OctoberWisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler 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 Whistler can be very cold. Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Whistler. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 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 JanuaryWisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. In the spring, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 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 AprilWisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Wisconsin Dells
| Wisconsin Dells | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°F (-7°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 49°F (10°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 52°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.6 inches (41 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.