Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Anchorage?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Anchorage or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa 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.
Where Should I go: Anchorage or Ottawa?
Anchorage
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnchorage $191Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Anchorage is $191, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Anchorage and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnchorage $117Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnchorage $234Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Anchorage and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Anchorage or Ottawa? 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: Anchorage Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Anchorage $27Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $52
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Anchorage or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Anchorage 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 dayAnchorage $50Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Anchorage $30Ottawa $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Afternoon Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage: $210
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Alyeska Tram - A Self-Guided Tour: $99
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnchorage $20Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Anchorage and Ottawa, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Anchorage Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Anchorage during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Anchorage is generally cooler than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 59°F (15°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Anchorage. In the summer, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Anchorage gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.
Anchorage usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAnchorage 59°F (15°C)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. Anchorage is much colder than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 35°F (2°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Anchorage usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during autumn. Anchorage gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAnchorage 35°F (2°C)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Anchorage can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Anchorage is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Anchorage in January average around 15°F (-9°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Anchorage gets 80 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Anchorage usually gets less rain in January than Ottawa. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAnchorage 15°F (-9°C)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In April, Anchorage is generally much colder than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 36°F (2°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. Anchorage usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Anchorage gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAnchorage 36°F (2°C)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Anchorage
| Anchorage | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.