A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Denver vs. Anchorage for Nightlife, Families, Attractions, and Food

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Denver or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver 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.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a artsy, nature-oriented, and cultural city.

Denver and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Denver
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less walkable
Anchorage
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


How is Denver different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Denver. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Denver
Anchorage

Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Denver and Anchorage.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

While most people don't head to Anchorage specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town has a couple of museums including the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature and the Alaska Aviation Museum.


Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Food?

Denver
Anchorage

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Denver and Anchorage.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Denver. While you're in town you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Anchorage may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Denver
Anchorage

Both Denver and Anchorage are comparable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Families?

Denver
Anchorage

Denver and Anchorage are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Nature lovers will appreciate this unique setting. You can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Denver or Anchorage Better for Public Transit?

Denver
Anchorage

While Anchorage and Denver both provide public transit, overall the system in Denver is considered to be better.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offers good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town.


Is Denver or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Denver
Anchorage

Anchorage is considered more walkable than Denver.

Anchorage is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot.

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Denver?

How long in Denver or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Denver and Anchorage. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Denver is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Anchorage is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Denver or Anchorage? Ideal Length of Stay
    Denver 2-3 
    Anchorage 1-3

One day in Denver or Anchorage?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Denver. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Anchorage. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Denver or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and skiing around the park-filled destination of Denver. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Denver or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the park-filled city of Denver. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Denver or Anchorage?

Denver is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Anchorage. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Anchorage or Denver?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Denver is $174, 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 Denver and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denver $69
    Anchorage $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denver $138
    Anchorage $186
Compare Hotels in Denver and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Denver 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 Denver


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: Denver Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Denver $81
    Anchorage $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN): $46
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Denver Airport (DEN): $46
  • Private Departure Transfer from Denver City to DEN Denver Airport: $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from DEN Denver Airport to Denver City: $58
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $72
  • Transfer in Private Car from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown: $72
  • Private Airport Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Denver: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Denver to Denver International Airport (DEN): $81
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown: $86
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $86

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 Denver or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Denver 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
    Denver $34
    Anchorage $40
Typical Food prices in Denver

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


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.

  • Small-Group Food Tour in Denver: $69
  • Haunted Denver Walking Food Tour: $73
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver: $77
  • Walking Food Tour - Best of Union Station & LoDo: $79
  • Denver Cooking Classes-Local, seasonal, and hands on menus: $97

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.
    Denver $42
    Anchorage $24

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Spokes and Scoops: Explore Denver's top ice cream spots on an audio bicycle tour: $5.20
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Virtual Reality Experiences for Everyone: $21
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Best of Denver Tour: $22
  • Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour: $22
  • Twilight Ghost Tour: $22
  • Denver Ghost Tour: $23
  • 1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver: $25
  • Moscow Mule Experience: $32
  • From Mining to Modern Walking Tour of Denver: $35
  • History and Whiskey Tour in Denver: $35

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
    Denver $4.25
    Anchorage $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour in Lower Downtown: $26
  • Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - South Broadway (SoBo): $27
  • 3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour: $49
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71

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 comparing the travel costs between Denver and Anchorage, we can see that Denver 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.

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Denver
Washington vs. Anchorage
Clearwater vs. Denver
Clearwater vs. Anchorage
Fort Lauderdale vs. Denver
Fort Lauderdale vs. Anchorage
Gainesville vs. Denver
Gainesville vs. Anchorage
Jacksonville vs. Denver
Jacksonville vs. Anchorage
Miami vs. Denver
Miami vs. Anchorage
Orlando vs. Denver
Orlando vs. Anchorage
Saint Petersburg vs. Denver
Saint Petersburg vs. Anchorage
Tallahassee vs. Denver
Tallahassee vs. Anchorage
Tampa vs. Denver
Tampa vs. Anchorage
Atlanta vs. Denver
Atlanta vs. Anchorage
Savannah vs. Denver
Savannah vs. Anchorage
New Orleans vs. Denver
New Orleans vs. Anchorage
Baltimore vs. Denver
Baltimore vs. Anchorage
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Denver vs. Anchorage Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.