Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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 $323Ketchikan $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $220. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Ketchikan $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $61Ketchikan $53
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Ketchikan $46
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Husky Walking Tour: $49
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan Highlights Private Tour: $69
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience: $89
- Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Ketchikan $23
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Ketchikan, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Ketchikan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ketchikan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Ketchikan?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Dayton is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Dayton usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan and Dayton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
In October, Dayton is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Ketchikan. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. It's quite cold in Dayton in the winter. Dayton is much colder than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Ketchikan. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Dayton is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Dayton usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Dayton
| Dayton | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.