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

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Should you visit Durham or Anchorage?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Durham and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Durham or Anchorage?

Durham

Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.

Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.

Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.

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 Durham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $130, 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 Durham and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Durham $73
    Anchorage $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Durham $146
    Anchorage $186
Compare Hotels in Durham and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Durham 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 Durham


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: Durham Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Durham $26
    Anchorage $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Durham:

  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Durham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $407

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 Durham or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Durham 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
    Durham $35
    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.
    Durham $21
    Anchorage $24

Tours and Activities in Durham

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

  • Trolley Pub Public Tour of Durham: $41

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
    Durham $27
    Anchorage $16

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 Durham and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Durham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durham 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 Durham.


When is the best time to visit Durham 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 Durham or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Durham is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Durham in July are around 79°F (26°C), and Anchorage is about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Durham 79°F (26°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Durham or Anchorage in the Autumn?

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

Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. In October, Durham is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Temperatures in Durham average around 61°F (16°C), and Anchorage stays around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. In the autumn, Durham often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Durham gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Durham 61°F (16°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Durham or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Anchorage. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Durham can be very cold during winter. Durham is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The temperature in Durham is usually 40°F (5°C) in January, and Anchorage stays around 15°F (-9°C).

Durham usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Durham usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Durham 40°F (5°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Durham or Anchorage in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. In the spring, Durham is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Durham in April are around 60°F (16°C), and Anchorage is 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 Durham this time of the year. In the spring, Durham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Durham usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Durham 60°F (16°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Durham

Durham Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)


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Durham vs. Anchorage Travel Comparison

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