A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Ketchikan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana or Ketchikan?

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 Havana and Ketchikan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Ketchikan?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Ketchikan Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Ketchikan $259

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Havana and Ketchikan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Ketchikan $136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Havana and Ketchikan

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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.

Hotels in Havana


Hotels in Ketchikan


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: Ketchikan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Ketchikan $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Bus Ride
    $1.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Ketchikan?

Prices for flights to both Ketchikan and Havana 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
    Havana $18
    Ketchikan $92
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan

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


  • Slice of Pie & Drink
    $5.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Ketchikan $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
    $35
  • Duck Tour (one person)
    $38
  • Bear Viewing Tour
    $83

Tours and Activities in Ketchikan

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

  • Ghost Walk Guided Tour: $30
  • Ketchikan Duck Tour: $79
  • From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
  • Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
  • 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
  • Wild Wolf Tour - 2 Hr: $92
  • 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
  • City Tour, Saxman Village, & Salmon Tasting: $99
  • Ketchikan, Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure: $99
  • OVER THE TOP TOURS wildlife adventures beyond expectations: $100
  • Saxman Native Village & Ketchikan City Tour: $104
  • Ketchikan Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Ketchikan $23
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Ketchikan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:

  • Ketchikan Pub Crawl: $79
  • Prohibition Era Burlesque Show Entry Ticket: $81
  • Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Ketchikan is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Havana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Havana or Ketchikan?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the summer, Havana is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Havana usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Havana or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Havana as well as Ketchikan. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Havana is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Havana usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Havana or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. Havana is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)

Should I visit Havana or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Havana during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Havana is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Havana

Havana Ketchikan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 34°F (1°C) 14.9 inches (379 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 38°F (3°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 39°F (4°C) 10.6 inches (270 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 44°F (6°C) 11.3 inches (286 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 49°F (9°C) 9.3 inches (237 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 8.2 inches (209 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 58°F (15°C) 7.6 inches (193 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 59°F (15°C) 11.1 inches (281 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 54°F (12°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 46°F (8°C) 22.9 inches (581 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 40°F (4°C) 17.3 inches (441 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 36°F (2°C) 15.7 inches (398 mm)