A Travel Price Comparison for Alaska Juneau vs. Anchorage for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Juneau or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Juneau or Anchorage? 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: Juneau or Anchorage?

Juneau

Juneau, Alaska is the capital city of the state, and it is also one of the most beautiful cities. Juneau is surrounded by two large mountains and a channel, so it is the only state capital not accessible by train or car. It is lined with small streets, including what is locally known as "stair streets" which can only be accessed by foot and include walking up 100-300 stairs, depending on which level you're going to. Luckily, most of the sights and stores are on the lower level, though. The only real structures located on the stair streets are residential buildings. Juneau is the most visited city in Alaska, but its population is just over 33,000. Its economy is based mostly on government, tourism, fishing, and mining.

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 Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Juneau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Juneau is $160, 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 Juneau and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Juneau $88
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Juneau $176
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Juneau and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Juneau 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 Juneau


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: Juneau Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Juneau $38
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Juneau or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Juneau 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
    Juneau $49
    Anchorage $50

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.
    Juneau $17
    Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

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


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

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

  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: $123
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • eBikes Alaska - Rainforest Adventure: $160
  • Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise with Local Guide: $177
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200

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:

  • Salmon Express Anchorage's Fish Hatchery Experience: $20
  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
  • 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
  • Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
  • Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
  • Guided Tour of the Alaska Botanical Garden: $45
  • Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage's Winter City Tour: $59
  • Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Juneau $16
    Anchorage $20

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

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


Which is Bigger, Juneau or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Juneau 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 Juneau 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 Juneau or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Juneau is generally cooler than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 56°F (13°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. In July, Juneau usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Juneau 56°F (13°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Juneau or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Juneau during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Juneau is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 42°F (6°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In the autumn, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Juneau 42°F (6°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Juneau or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Anchorage. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In the winter, Juneau is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Juneau in January average around 24°F (-4°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

Juneau usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Juneau usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Juneau or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. It's quite cold in Juneau in the spring. In April, Juneau is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 40°F (4°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. In the spring, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Juneau usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Juneau 40°F (4°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Juneau

Juneau Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)