Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Anchorage. 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.
Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Alexandria than Anchorage. While Anchorage is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Alexandria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.
Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.
Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Anchorage can be an enjoyable experience.
Alexandria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.
Anchorage offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.
Alexandria is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.
Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.
Anchorage does not have a historic old town.
Anchorage is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.
Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.
Alexandria is not a hiking destination.
Alexandria is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.
Anchorage is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.
Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.
Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.
Alexandria and Anchorage both very good destinations for a couple.
Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.
Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.
For backpackers, both Alexandria and Anchorage are notable places to visit.
Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.
Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.
Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.
Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.
It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.
Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. 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.
For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alexandria and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alexandria than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.
Families should spend more time in Anchorage than Alexandria. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Anchorage, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Anchorage if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alexandria.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
With museums and food around the artsy city of Anchorage, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Anchorage, one day is sufficent for most.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
With food and shopping around the destination of Anchorage, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Alexandria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Anchorage, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Alexandria is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Anchorage is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Alexandria and Anchorage in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria or Anchorage? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Alexandria 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Anchorage, 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.
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.
Both Anchorage and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Alexandria is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).
In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the summer, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Anchorage. The autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In October, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Anchorage. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. Alexandria is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
In the winter, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Anchorage and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Alexandria is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during spring. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Alexandria | Anchorage | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |