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

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Should you visit Columbia or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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: Columbia or Anchorage?

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

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 city is cheaper, Anchorage or Columbia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $153. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Anchorage $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Anchorage $186
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Columbia 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 Columbia


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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Anchorage $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Anchorage accommodation to Anchorage Airport (ANC) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $54
  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $209
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport ANC to Seward Cruise Port: $292
  • Private Transfer: Seward Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $292
  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $386
  • Private Transfer: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to Anchorage: $622
  • Private Transfer: Anchorage to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): $622
  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $771

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Columbia 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
    Columbia $4.02
    Anchorage $40

Typical Food prices in Anchorage

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


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Anchorage $24

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20
  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

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:

  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Anchorage Trolley Tour: $21
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $39
  • Winter - Anchorage All Around City Tour: $49
  • Alaska Native Historic Cultural City Tour of Anchorage: $59
  • Gold Panning Self-Guided Tour: $69
  • Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination": $69
  • Beginner’s Snowshoeing Adventure: $81
  • Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour: $95
  • Explore Portage Valley a Self-Guided Tour: $99
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $99
  • Alyeska Tram - A Self-Guided Tour: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $70
    Anchorage $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $115
  • Anchorage Bike and Brewery Tour: $219
  • Alaska Brewery and Railroad Experience from Anchorage: $349

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Columbia or Anchorage?

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 Columbia or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Columbia is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Anchorage stays around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Columbia is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The temperature in Columbia is usually 64°F (18°C) in October, and Anchorage stays around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Anchorage. Also, the museums 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, Columbia is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January are around 45°F (7°C), and Anchorage is about 15°F (-9°C).

Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Anchorage.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Anchorage stays 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 Columbia this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Columbia

Columbia Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)


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Columbia vs. Anchorage Travel Comparison

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