Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Anchorage?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Anchorage or Vernon?
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 Vernon 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 Vernon?
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.
Vernon
Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.
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, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnchorage $191Vernon $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Anchorage is $191, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $30. 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 Vernon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnchorage $117Vernon $4.82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnchorage $234Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Anchorage and Vernon
Looking for a hotel in Anchorage or Vernon? 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 Vernon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Anchorage $27Vernon -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Anchorage or Vernon?
Prices for flights to both Vernon 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 $50Vernon $25
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Anchorage $30Vernon -
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:
- 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
- Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage's Winter City Tour: $59
- Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Tour on a unique 14-passenger electric vehicle: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnchorage $20Vernon $13
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Anchorage and Vernon, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Anchorage Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Vernon?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Vernon, 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 Vernon?
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 Anchorage or Vernon in the Summer?
Both Vernon and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Anchorage is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 59°F (15°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In July, Anchorage usually receives more rain than Vernon. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAnchorage 59°F (15°C)Vernon 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Vernon in the Autumn?
Both Vernon and Anchorage during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Anchorage is much colder than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 35°F (2°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Anchorage usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAnchorage 35°F (2°C)Vernon 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Vernon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Vernon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In the winter, Anchorage is much colder than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Anchorage in January average around 15°F (-9°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In January, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Vernon. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAnchorage 15°F (-9°C)Vernon -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Anchorage or Vernon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In April, Anchorage is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 36°F (2°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Anchorage usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAnchorage 36°F (2°C)Vernon 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Vernon and Anchorage
| Anchorage | Vernon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.