A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Melbourne or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a artsy, nature-oriented, and outdoorsy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Melbourne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Melbourne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Anchorage?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Melbourne or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Melbourne makes for a great culinary experience. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Melbourne offers plenty to do in the evening. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Anchorage?

Melbourne is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Families?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Anchorage are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Anchorage is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Melbourne or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Anchorage. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Melbourne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Melbourne than Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Melbourne that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Anchorage if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Melbourne.

One day in Melbourne or Anchorage?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Anchorage?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Anchorage?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic city of Anchorage. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Anchorage?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Melbourne is in Pacific and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Anchorage?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Anchorage?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Anchorage has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Melbourne is generally a little warmer than Anchoragein July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Anchoragein July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Anchoragein July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. 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. Melbourne is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Anchoragein October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. In the winter, Melbourne is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C)in January.

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Anchoragein January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in July than Anchoragein January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Anchorage. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In October, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Anchoragein April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Anchoragein April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Melbourne