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

Should you visit Honolulu or Anchorage?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Honolulu and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Honolulu or Anchorage?

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Honolulu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Honolulu is $284, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Honolulu and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Honolulu $183
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Honolulu $366
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Honolulu and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Honolulu 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 Honolulu


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: Honolulu Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Honolulu $26
    Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

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


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
  • Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $18
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Oahu Hotels or Cruise Terminal to Honolulu Airport: $20
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $20
  • Honolulu Airport Private Transfer to or from Waikiki: $32
  • Airport Private Transfer with Arrival Lei Greeting: $35
  • Oahu: Honolulu Shuttle Bus Transfer to Pearl Harbor: $37
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport (HNL) to Honolulu Port: $37
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $39
  • Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Transfer & Entry Fee: $50
  • Private Transfers between HNL Airport and Honolulu City: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Honolulu: $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Honolulu or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Honolulu 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
    Honolulu $53
    Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
  • Honolulu City Lights Dinner Tour: $177

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.
    Honolulu $40
    Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Hawaii‘s Historic Kingdom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Waikīkī's Beaches and Royalty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Military and Entertainment in Waikiki: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $7.99
  • Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Honolulu In-App Audio Tour: Historical & Cultural Treasures: $9.00
  • Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • USS Arizona Commander's Narrated Multimedia Tour - 23 Stops: $11
  • Oahu: Honolulu 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Honolulu, HI: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • O'ahu's South Shore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historic A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15

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:

  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
  • 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
  • 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
  • Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
  • Afternoon Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage: $199
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
  • Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
  • Anchorage 1 Hour Fat Bike Tours: $105
  • Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo: $295
  • Anchorage Brews Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Honolulu $6.47
    Anchorage $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Honolulu and Anchorage, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Anchorage would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Anchorage 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu than you might in Anchorage.

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


Which is Bigger, Honolulu or Anchorage?

Honolulu has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Honolulu and Anchorage, 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 Honolulu or Anchorage?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Honolulu or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Honolulu during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

Honolulu is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Honolulu. In the summer, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Honolulu gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Honolulu usually gets less rain in July than Anchorage. Honolulu gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Honolulu or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Honolulu and Anchorage. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the autumn, Honolulu is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Honolulu in October average around 80°F (26°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Honolulu gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Honolulu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Anchorage. Honolulu gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Honolulu or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Honolulu as well as Anchorage. Additionally, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Honolulu is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average around 73°F (23°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In the winter, Honolulu often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Honolulu gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Honolulu usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Honolulu gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Honolulu or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Honolulu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. Honolulu is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Honolulu averages around 76°F (24°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. Honolulu usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Honolulu gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Honolulu usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Honolulu gets 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Honolulu

Honolulu Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)