Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Cape Town?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cape Town or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cape Town 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: Cape Town or Anchorage?
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCape Town $98Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, 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 Cape Town and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Town $39Anchorage $117
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Town $78Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Cape Town 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.
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: Cape Town Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Town $17Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers: $11
- Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town- One way/Round Trips: $16
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Exclusive Cape Town Airport and Cruise Terminal Transfers: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Muizenberg Cape Town : $18
- Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $18
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Constantia: $18
- Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
- 24 hour Private Airport Shuttle and Transfer CBD: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Town or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Cape Town 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 dayCape Town $42Anchorage $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
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: $190
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Town $23Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
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:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Town $21Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
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 Cape Town and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa 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 Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Town Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cape Town or Anchorage?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town 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 Cape Town or Anchorage?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Anchorage has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Cape Town or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cape Town as well as Anchorage. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In January, Cape Town is generally a little warmer than Anchoragein July. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 21°C (70°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Town often gets more sunshine than Anchoragein July. Cape Town gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
Cape Town usually gets less rain in January than Anchoragein July. Cape Town gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCape Town 21°C (70°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Cape Town are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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. Cape Town is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Town averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. Cape Town usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Cape Town gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Cape Town usually receives less rain than Anchoragein October. Cape Town gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCape Town 18°C (64°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Cape Town during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In the winter, Cape Town is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Town in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C)in January.
In the winter, Cape Town often gets more sunshine than Anchoragein January. Cape Town gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
Cape Town usually gets more rain in July than Anchoragein January. Cape Town gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCape Town 13°C (55°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Town and Anchorage. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In October, Cape Town is generally much warmer than Anchoragein April. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 16°C (61°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Cape Town, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Town usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Cape Town gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Cape Town usually receives more rain than Anchoragein April. Cape Town gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCape Town 16°C (61°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Cape Town
| Cape Town | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.