Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Lima?
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 Lima or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lima and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lima or Anchorage?
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, The Best Adventure Tours to Peru, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Lima Prices
Peru PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $95Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $95, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Lima and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $52Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $104Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Lima and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Lima 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.
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: Lima Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $6.06Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- One Way Private Transfer: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
- ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Lima or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Lima 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 dayLima $32Anchorage $87
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $9.15Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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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: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage's Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife: $59
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Alaska: Ladies Only Snowshoe Adventure: $75
- Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife Adventure: $79
- Downtown Anchorage Tour on 14-Passenger Electric Vehicle: $100
- Anchorage's Authentic Dog Sledding Experience: $105
- Alaska Wildlife Center and Turnagain Arm Tour w/Alyeska Tram: $109
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $5.95Anchorage $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $310
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lima and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lima is in South America and Anchorage 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lima Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lima or Anchorage?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Lima 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 Lima or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Lima or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Lima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Lima is a little warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Lima gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lima usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Lima or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Lima during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In the autumn, Lima is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lima in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
In the autumn, Lima often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Lima gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Lima usually gets less rain in October than Anchorage. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Lima or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In January, Lima is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 23°C (73°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
Lima usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Lima gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lima usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Lima or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lima as well as Anchorage. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. Lima is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. In the spring, Lima often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Lima gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Lima usually gets less rain in April than Anchorage. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLima 22°C (72°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Lima
| Lima | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.