Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Anchorage?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, 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 Dayton and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Dayton 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 dayDayton $61Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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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: $25
- 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
- Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
- Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination": $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Anchorage, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Anchorage would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Anchorage 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Anchorage.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dayton is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dayton. Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Dayton is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
In the autumn, Dayton often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Anchorage. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Dayton can get quite cold in the winter. Dayton is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Anchorage. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the spring, Dayton is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Anchorage averages at about 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 Dayton this time of the year. In the spring, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Dayton
| Dayton | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 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.