Which place is cheaper, Alaska or Hawaii?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hawaii or Alaska?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hawaii or Alaska? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hawaii or Alaska?
Hawaii
Located towards the center of the Pacific Ocean and the northeast corner of Polynesia, Hawai'i is the 50th state of the United States of America. It is a major tourist destination for travelers from around the world and as such, its economy is very dependent on the tourist dollar. Historically, the state had strong whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, but today tourism and the military make up a significant part of the economy. The state includes many islands that spread over 1,500 miles, but there are eight main islands which have a diversity of natural beauty and interesting landscapes. The islands offer visitors many impressive features from the beautiful beaches to the lush interior. There is a lot of hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving available throughout the islands. The capital of the state is Honolulu, which is also the largest city. Both Hawaiian and English are spoken throughout.
Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Hawaii Prices
USA PricesAlaska Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHawaii $392Alaska $280
The average daily cost (per person) in Hawaii is $392, while the average daily cost in Alaska is $280. 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 Hawaii and Alaska in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHawaii $214Alaska $135
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHawaii $428Alaska $270
Compare Hotels in Hawaii and Alaska
Looking for a hotel in Hawaii or Alaska? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hawaii $37Alaska $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hawaii
Also for Hawaii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Maui Kahului Airport: $16
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $16
- Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
- Maui hotel or address to Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) - Departure Private Transfer: $20
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Port to Honolulu / Waikiki hotels: $21
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu Port: $21
- Private Transfer from Honolulu / Waikiki hotels to Honolulu Port: $21
- Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
- Whittier to Anchorage Land Transfer Tour With AWCC: $199
- Whittier to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour: $77
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Seward to Anchorage transfer with National Park hike and AWCC: $249
- Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage : $299
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Hawaii or Alaska?
Prices for flights to both Alaska and Hawaii 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 dayHawaii $128Alaska $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hawaii
For Hawaii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $125
- Honolulu's Walking Food Tour: $129
- Honolulu Sunset & Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $129
- Farm to Taco: A Farm to Table Cooking Class: $149
- Walking Food Tour Exploring Hanalei: $149
- Hawaii Off The Beaten Path Food Tour: $150
- Da Local's Food Tour of Oahu: $150
- Coast of Ka'anapali Beach Sunset Dinner Sail : $150
- Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
- Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $168
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Ma'alaea Premium Dinner Cruise: Four Course Dining Experience: $170
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
- Aurora Viewing and Dinner : $120
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195
- Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Dinner Cruise from Seward: $220
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $239
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hawaii $38Alaska $65
Tours and Activities in Hawaii
For Hawaii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Oahu Grand Circle Guided Tour: $5.00
- Hilo History and Legends (APP) Audio Self Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
- Explore the USS Arizona Today Virtual Reality Experience: $6.99
- Diamond Head Official Self-Guided Narrated Audio Tour: $8.99
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Haleakala: $8.99
- Chief's Official Pearl Harbor Self-Guided Multimedia Tour: $9.99
- Kona Coffee Tasting: A Farm to Cup Experience: $10
- Honolulu Historic District a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Skies Over Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Experience: $11
- Maui Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
- Captain's Official Pearl Harbor Self-Guided Multimedia Tour: $14
- Discover Lahaina: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
- PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour: $110
- Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
- Whittier to Anchorage Half Day Transit Tour From the Port: $199
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS” city highlights, wildlife and more!: $100
- 1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska: $289
- 1 Hour Fall Sled Dog Experience in Two Rivers: $130
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure in Boreal Forest: $159
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $175
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $170
- 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHawaii $19Alaska $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Hawaii
Also in Hawaii, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kaua'i Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings and Food: $141
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl : $75
- Ketchikan Pub Crawl: $79
- Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau: $104
- Half-Day Activity Package | Husky Sled Dog Tour and Brewery Visit: $130
- Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
- Half-Day Activity Package: Denali River Rafting and Brewery Visit: $229
- Half-Day Activity Package: ATV Riding Tour and Brewery Visit: $250
- Half-Day Activity Package: Denali Zipline Tour and Brewery Visit: $259
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting : $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hawaii and Alaska, we can see that Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Alaska much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alaska would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alaska 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 Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hawaii than you might in Alaska.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hawaii Expensive? and Is Alaska Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Hawaii or Alaska?
Hawaii has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of Hawaii and Alaska, 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.
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.