A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Anchorage vs. Moncton for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Anchorage or Moncton?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Anchorage and Moncton can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Anchorage

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.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Anchorage and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Anchorage or Moncton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Anchorage than Moncton. Anchorage is bigger than Moncton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Anchorage is more touristy than Moncton and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Also, Anchorage is famous for Chugach State Park. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Anchorage different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moncton and Anchorage. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Anchorage or Moncton?

Both Anchorage and Moncton have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Moncton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Is the Food Better in Anchorage or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Anchorage and Moncton can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Moncton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Anchorage or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Both Anchorage and Moncton are respectable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Anchorage specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Moncton. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Anchorage or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Anchorage or Moncton?

Both Anchorage and Moncton are notable shopping destinations.

Anchorage is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Moncton. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Anchorage or Moncton Better for Families?

Both Anchorage and Moncton are notable to visit with kids.

Anchorage is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Moncton is a family-friendly city. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Anchorage or Moncton Better for Couples?

Anchorage is great for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Anchorage is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Anchorage or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

Is Anchorage or Moncton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Moncton is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

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.

Is Anchorage or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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 Anchorage Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Anchorage?

How long in Anchorage or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Anchorage or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Anchorage than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Anchorage, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Moncton than Anchorage. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Moncton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Anchorage than Moncton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Anchorage that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Anchorage than Moncton 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 Anchorage.

One day in Anchorage or Moncton?

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Moncton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moncton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Anchorage or Moncton?

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Moncton. 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.

Five days in Anchorage or Moncton?

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint city of Moncton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Anchorage or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Moncton is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Anchorage and Moncton, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Moncton.

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

Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Moncton?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Moncton, 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 Anchorage or Moncton?

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.

Should I visit Anchorage or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Moncton. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Anchorage is generally cooler than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 59°F (15°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Anchorage usually gets less rain in July than Moncton. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Anchorage or Moncton in the Autumn?

Both Moncton and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Anchorage is much colder than Moncton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 35°F (2°C) in October, and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In October, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Moncton. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Anchorage or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Anchorage during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Moncton can be very cold during winter. Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Anchorage is cooler than Moncton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Anchorage in January average around 15°F (-9°C), and Moncton averages at about -8°C (17°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Anchorage usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Anchorage or Moncton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Moncton. Most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Moncton can be very cold. Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In April, Anchorage is generally cooler than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 36°F (2°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Moncton. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Anchorage