Which place is cheaper, Alaska or California?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit California or Alaska?
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 California and Alaska. 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.
Where Should I go: California or Alaska?
California
California is the most populous state in the U.S. and is known for a variety of attractions such as Hollywood, warm beaches, the San Francisco bay area, Redwood trees, national parks, and stunning mountain vistas. With a variety of locations and activities to offer, California has become one of the premier travel destinations in the world.
Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalifornia $252Alaska $243
The average daily cost (per person) in California is $252, while the average daily cost in Alaska is $243. 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 California and Alaska in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalifornia $116Alaska $135
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalifornia $232Alaska $270
Compare Hotels in California and Alaska
Looking for a hotel in California or Alaska? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.California $43Alaska $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in California
Also for California, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (San Francisco Airport To/From San Francisco): $16
- Private Transfer: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to LA City Center: $26
- One Way Transfer: Los Angeles from /to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) : $29
- Private Departure Transfer to John Wayne Orange County Airport SNA: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer from John Wayne Orange County Airport SNA: $32
- Ontario Airport (ONT) to Snow Summit - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Snow Summit to Ontario Airport (ONT) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Santa Catalina to Catalina Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Avalon Airport (AVX) to Santa Catalina - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Ontario City to Ontario Airport (ONT) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Ontario Airport (ONT) to Ontario City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Shared Airport Departure Transfer Anaheim and Orange County to John Wayne Airport: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
- Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage : $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer Whittier Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport ANC: $232
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
- Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into California or Alaska?
Prices for flights to both Alaska and California 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 dayCalifornia $48Alaska $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in California
For California, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- Encinitas Food Tour: $70
- Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting: $75
- Pirates Dinner Adventure Buena Park: $79
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour - Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $85
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- Mission District Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $90
- Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $210
- Kenai Fjords Glacier Dinner Cruise from Seward: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.California $63Alaska $65
Tours and Activities in California
For California, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Avalon City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Cow Heaven: A Self-Guided Driving Tour from Point Reyes Seashore to Tomales: $5.99
- The Heart of Los Angeles’ Dreamland: A Self-Guide Tour in Culver City: $5.99
- Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
- The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- LA Little Tokyo to Olvera St Smartphone (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $7.50
- Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Bohemian Art Scene: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between San Francisco & Monterey: $7.99
- Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Self guided Driving Tour between LA and San Diego: $7.99
- Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
- Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
- PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour: $99
- Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS”AK Wildlife & Totem poles Tour.: $95
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $215
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $135
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- 2-Hour Private Wildlife Tour in Sitka: $200
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalifornia $21Alaska $20
Sample the Local Flavors in California
Also in California, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Jose Bar Hunt: Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl: $12
- Long Beach Bar Hunt: Long Beach Boss Bar Crawl: $12
- Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
- Vintner's Private Wine Tasting Experience: $20
- Gaslamp Bar Crawls and Events: $20
- Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Lodi California: $35
- Sunset Distillery with Local Whiskey or Cocktail Tasting: $40
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $45
- Wine Tasting Around the World: $48
- Large Group Wine Tasting Tour (For 6+ Guests • We Drive Your Car): $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
When comparing the travel costs between California and Alaska, we can see that California is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is California Expensive? and Is Alaska Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, California or Alaska?
California has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of California and Alaska, 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.
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.