A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Ketchikan for Food, Hiking, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Asheville or Ketchikan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Ketchikan. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Asheville and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Ketchikan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Ketchikan are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Ketchikan attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Ketchikan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Asheville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Music?

Asheville is notable for live music. However, Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Asheville is very good for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Ketchikan is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Ketchikan?

Asheville is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Christmas?

Asheville is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Ketchikan does not offer Christmas activities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Ketchikan does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its Christmas markets. However, Ketchikan does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Ketchikan does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Ketchikan are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Asheville and Ketchikan both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Ketchikan is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Asheville is notable for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Ketchikan.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Asheville or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Ketchikan. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Ketchikan 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 Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Ketchikan?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the progressive destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Ketchikan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Ketchikan?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Asheville.

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Ketchikan?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Ketchikan, 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 Asheville or Ketchikan?

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 Asheville or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Asheville usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Asheville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Asheville is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Asheville usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In January, Asheville usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Asheville during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Asheville because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Asheville