A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Anchorage for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Bali or Anchorage?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a spiritual, cultural, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Bali and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its museums & sights and hiking. Bali is more touristy than Anchorage and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Anchorage is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Bali different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Anchorage is very good for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bali have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Bali is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Anchorage?

Bali 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.

Bali is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Families?

Bali is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bali is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Anchorage is a family-friendly island. 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.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Bali is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bali is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Bali or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bali is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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.

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

Bali is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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 Bali or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Bali and Anchorage both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Bali is generally not very walkable. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable island. 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 Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Bali?

How long in Bali or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Anchorage. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Anchorage?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the frequented destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and food around the frequented island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Bali or Anchorage?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The nature-oriented city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Anchorage?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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.

When is the best time to visit Bali or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bali is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. Bali is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the winter, Bali is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

Bali usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Anchorage. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. In April, Bali is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Bali