Travel Budget for Anchorage Visit Anchorage on a Budget or Travel in Style

Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West / Alaska /
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Anchorage is an outdoorsy city known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Anchorage, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Anchorage?

You should plan to spend around $228 per day on your vacation in Anchorage. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $87 on meals
  • $27 on local transportation
  • $233 on hotels

A one week trip to Anchorage for two people costs, on average, $3,192. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $228
  • One Week Per person
    $1,596
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,192
  • One Month Per person
    $6,840
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,192
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,384
  • One Month For a couple
    $13,680
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Anchorage cost?

A one week trip to Anchorage usually costs around $1,596 for one person and $3,192 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Anchorage on average costs around $3,192 for one person and $6,384 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Anchorage will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Anchorage on average costs around $6,840 for one person and $13,680 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Anchorage expensive to visit?

Anchorage is a popular city that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Anchorage can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $102 per day, mid-range travelers spend $228 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $411 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Anchorage.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Anchorage is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Portland, Maine or Destin.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Anchorage Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Anchorage?

The average Anchorage trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Anchorage travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Anchorage cost?

Anchorage on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$52 $117 $210
Local Transportation 1 $12 $27 $52
Food 2 $39 $87 $157
Entertainment 1 $13 $30 $54
Alcohol 2 $4-13 $10-31 $20-59

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Anchorage without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $102 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Luckily, Anchorage offers plenty of hostels, including Base Camp Anchorage. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Anchorage are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $228 per person, per day.

Anchorage offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Historic Anchorage Hotel is an excellent choice, while SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake is also a great option. When you're in Anchorage, The Hotel Captain Cook is the go-to romantic hotel for couples. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Anchorage.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $411 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget.

Accommodation Budget in Anchorage

In Anchorage, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $183, but during peak season they jump to an average of $341. You can find budget options starting at $119 up to luxury rates at $530. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Anchorage for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $233. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $117 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $117
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $233

Hotels in Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Anchorage? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Anchorage

The average hotel room price in Anchorage based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $183 in the low season and $341 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Anchorage include:

  • The Hotel Captain Cook starting at $263
  • Gardenside Bed and Breakfast starting at $123
  • Maria's Creekside B&B starting at $144
  • Alaska European Bed & Breakfast starting at $156
  • Deal's Bed & Breakfast Inn starting at $185
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Anchorage

If you're headed to Anchorage for a honeymoon, then luxury hotels are the way to go. There are plenty, with some of the favorites being The Hotel Captain Cook and Alyeska Resort.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Anchorage

Anchorage does not has a good public transit system. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Regrettably, a significant part of the city isn't easy to navigate on foot. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $27 per person, per day, on local transportation in Anchorage. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Anchorage is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $27

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City for $180 details
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer for $197 details
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer for $197 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Anchorage
How much does it cost to go to Anchorage? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Anchorage
The price of renting a car in Anchorage will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Anchorage

While the culinary offerings in Anchorage are good, many people don't specifically come here for the cuisine. Look for a few special spots around the city that are worth a try. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Anchorage can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Anchorage is $87 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $87

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Anchorage is around $87 ($87) per person, with previous travelers spending from $39 to $157. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Anchorage are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $26
  • Lunch: $13 to $35
  • Dinner: $26 to $61
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $13

Anchorage dining includes some of the freshest seafood in the world, which Alaska chefs offer up in a variety of mouth-watering creations in Anchorage restaurants. From plump, cold-water Kachemak Bay oysters, to Alaska king crab, fresh-caught halibut, and wild Alaska salmon – the staple of Alaska seafood, Anchorage restaurants have it all. And there's more to be found than just seafood. Enjoy steak slathered in peppercorn sauce or freshly-prepared Japanese yakisoba noodles.

Expect a very enjoyable and memorable experience at any of the dining options.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

You can save money and enjoy the scenery if you make a picnic. Find a local grocery store or market, get some fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic spot to enjoy your meal.

Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Anchorage. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer for $190 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Anchorage?

Typical prices for food in Anchorage are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Anchorage. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Anchorage

It's no wonder that tourists flock to Anchorage, as it is known for its hiking, romance, museums and attractions, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Anchorage typically cost an average of $30 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $30

Alaska is full of natural beauty. It's all around you, but there are some places you may want to explore in anchorage for even better vistas.

Kenai Fjords National Park is a National Park that covers an area of 669,984 acres on the Kenai Peninsula. The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States. The park is named for the numerous fjords carved by glaciers moving down the mountains from the ice field. The field is the source of at least 38 glaciers, the largest of which is Bear Glacier. Exit Glacier is reachable by road and is a popular tour destination. The remainder of the park is primarily accessible by boat. This is a sight you won't soon forget.

See Alaskan wildlife up close at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation. The center's mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured, and ill animals-those that can't survive in the wild. Coyotes peer out from behind the brush while a bald eagle swoops in on the salmon remains left by a grizzly bear. Wood Bison plod through 65 acres of tidal flat terrain, as part of a program that will one day restore the species to the Alaskan wilderness. Come and watch these animals display their natural, "wild", behavior.

See the Chugach State Park. The park contains approximately 495,000 acres of land and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. This is an area of diverse land forms and rugged topography, bounded on the north and west by the Alaska Range, and on the east by the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains and Prince William Sound. The region contains extensive ocean shoreline, abundant lakes, massive glaciers and ice fields. The park is full of natural beauty and is sure to leave you with feelings of amazement.



Alaska activities including famous wildlife, spectacular mountain vistas, fascinating cultures and icy blue glaciers all await your discovery. Metropolitan luxuries mix with unrivaled natural wonders to make Anchorage an unforgettable destination. Here are just a few options to keep you entertained on your trip:

The Alaska Native Heritage Center. This Anchorage museum offers an in-depth look at Alaskan Native life-with a big focus on Alaska Natives. Watch dancing, listen to stories, meet carvers and explore recreated winter dwellings. You'll see how Alaska Native history is not a collection of artifacts behind glass: this is a living, dynamic culture that you can experience firsthand.

The Alyeska Resort's Aerial Tramway is a seven-minute ride that lifts you to a viewing deck with breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, hanging glaciers, streams, spruce, and an array of wildlife. Enjoy a relaxed midday picnic or beautiful evening sunset on Mt. Alyeska's observation deck, more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Telescopes intensify the view. Go exploring, berry picking, and paragliding, and take a hike on the glacier.

Visit the Alaska Botanical Gardens. Walk, hike, watch for birds or paint a picture at this living field guide of Alaska flora and fauna. The 110 acres are set in a birch and spruce forest, where you might even see a bear or moose. Walk the Wildflower Trail, relax in the Herb Garden, delight in the perennial gardens, or explore the 1.1 mile Lowenfels Family Nature Trail.

Have a unique adventure with the Alaskan Experience Theatre. Learn about the massive 1964 Earthquake that rocked Alaska. Feel like you're soaring over the rugged terrain of the last frontier. Get up close to Alaska's wild animals-from the creatures of Arctic pack ice to the predators of the tundra. You can see it all on the big screen, from the comfort of this downtown Anchorage Theatre.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
The hiking around Anchorage is terrific. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

A nice way to explore destinations in Anchorage is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Ultimate Anchorage Winter Wildlife & Sunset Tour for $179 details
  • Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife Adventure for $79 details
  • City and Wildlife Conservation Center Tour in Anchorage, Alaska for $169 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Anchorage?

A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Anchorage are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105


Nightlife Budget in Anchorage

The nightlife scene in Anchorage is marked by a quiet and laid-back ambiance. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $20 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Anchorage per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $20
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Anchorage. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting for $285 details
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour for $109 details
  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting for $285 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Anchorage

  • During peak summer season, prices are generally much higher and the city is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Anchorage doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider renting a car or setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • If you're thinking Anchorage will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
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Traveling in Anchorage
Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

Dive into this city of parks, museums and restaurants and you'll see why almost half the state's population calls it home.



Neighborhoods & Around

Anchorage Bowl

The northern region of the Anchorage Bowl contains the city center and eastern residential areas. With a great nightlife downtown and in surrounding areas, this location is a hotspot for professional, young, and mixed-aged singles.

The Northeast Anchorage/Nunaka Valley is one of the wealthiest centers in the state. Also in the northeast area is Alaska Pacific University in the Northern Lights Boulevard area.

Central and Southern

The central region ranges from urban to residential settings and contains a mix of young singles to mixed ages. Abbott Loop is a residential area in Anchorage, good for families and young singles. Anchorage's southern region is primarily family-friendly and home to larger, upscale homes. The New/Old Seward area is also home larger homes and an executive lifestyle, but is a retiree-friendly community.

Eagle River and South of Anchorage

North of the Anchorage Bowl is the Eagle River area. It is largely an area for families and retirees, with mixed ages. South of Anchorage is a remote neighborhood located in the Chickaloon Bay, and it is home to mostly young, upper- to middle-class.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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