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 $97Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $97, 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 $53Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $106Anchorage $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 $6.21Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.88
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Taxi Ride$5.88
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Short Taxi Ride$4.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- mc luxury transfer: $10
- Lima Airport One Way Private Transfer LIM to Lima City Center: $12
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Private Jorge Chávez Airport Transfer – Safe & Reliable Service: $16
- Private Executive Transfers in Lima: $16
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $17
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- One Way Private Transfer: $10
- Anchorage to Whittier Shared Bus Transfer Service: $69
- Anchorage to Seward Shared Bus Transfer Service: $75
- Anchorage to Seward Direct Transfer Tour: $79
- ANC Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $79
- Portage Glacier Express with Van Transfer from Anchorage: $123
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Anchorage to Whittier: Cruise Transfer with Wildlife Tour: $199
- Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
- Dog Sled Ride in Willow with Transfers: $289
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 $33Anchorage $87
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.71
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Ice cream$3.82
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Coffee$3.23
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Donut$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food tours on the forbidden side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $5.00
- Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
- Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- 4h Cooking Class in Iconic Dishes & Bottomless Drinks: $55
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
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.
- Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $9.38Anchorage $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)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.50
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Historic Lima & Catacombs Tour with Optional Pickup: $19
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $21
- City Tour in Lima: $23
- Barranco Street Art Tour - Unmasked: $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 Self-Guided Tour: Discover Glaciers & Alaska's Frontier: $1.16
- Anchorage to Denali Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $16
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward: $17
- Anchorage–Homer Sterling Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $20
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Anchorage to Homer: $20
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour: $25
- Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour: $40
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Alaska Bundle: $40
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour and Highlights: $55
- City Tour and Highlights: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $6.10Anchorage $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$7.91
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Beer$4.41
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Cocktail$3.53
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Distillery Tour in the Heart of Anchorage: $25
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
- Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
- Wilderness and Wine Tasting out of Anchorage: $239
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $315
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.