A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boise vs. Anchorage for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Boise or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Boise or Anchorage? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Boise or Anchorage?

Boise

The capital of the U.S. state of Idaho, Boise is an urban center with the adventure of the outdoors just a step away. The metropolis itself has an active arts community and a lively downtown filled with shops and restaurants. Boise is a regional hub for jazz, theater, and indie music, hosting musical festivals throughout the year and several theater groups that operate in the city. There is even a Department of Arts and History that was created with the goal of promoting the arts, culture, and history of the city among its residents and visitors.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Boise?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boise is $146, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Boise and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boise $75
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boise $150
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Boise and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Boise or Anchorage? 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.

Hotels in Boise


Hotels in Anchorage


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: Boise Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boise $34
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $249
  • Private Transfer: Seward Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $336
  • Private Transfer from/to Anchorage Airport from/to Anchorage: $150
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport ANC to Seward Cruise Port: $332
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
  • Anchorage/Seward: Private 1-Way Transfer in Either Direction: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Boise or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Boise 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boise $45
    Anchorage $50
Typical Food prices in Boise

For Boise, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hotel
    $59
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (for 4)
    $55

Typical Food prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • 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 NEW FOR 2023!: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boise $30
    Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment prices in Boise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Boise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Edwards Boise Imax
    $27

Tours and Activities in Boise

For Boise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Boise by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10

Typical Entertainment prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 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:

  • Private Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass & Local Wildlife Tour: $199
  • Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour NEW FOR 2023: $150
  • 26 Glacier Cruise and Coach from Anchorage, AK: $317
  • 26 Glacier Tour - Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
  • Afternoon Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage: $199
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
  • Alaska Botanical Garden & City View Tour: $115
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $105
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
  • Alaska Wildlife Visit and Glacier Cruise Adventure: $215
  • Alaskan Adventure at Wildlife center, Portage Glacier, Tram : $359
  • Alaskan Salmon 8-Hour Fishing Experience: $345

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boise $24
    Anchorage $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $169


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

Which is Bigger, Boise or Anchorage?

Anchorage is bigger, and its population is about 78% larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the population of Boise vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.

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.
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Boise vs. Anchorage Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.