Which city is cheaper, Anchorage or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Anchorage for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families
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Should you visit Miami or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.
Miami
Miami is a bustling, high energy, and glamorous beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Anchorage
Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city.
Miami and Anchorage: Pros and Cons
Miami
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Good nightlife
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less family-friendly
Anchorage
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
How is Miami different from Anchorage?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Miami. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Miami or Anchorage Better for Food?
Miami
Anchorage
Miami has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Anchorage.
Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.
Is Miami or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?
Miami
Anchorage
Party-goers will usually choose Miami over Anchorage.
Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy.
Anchorage doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.
Is Miami or Anchorage Better for Families?
Miami
Anchorage
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Anchorage.
Miami doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Because it's so big, you'll find some kid-friendly options in the area. There are kid-friendly museums and activities around the city.
Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Nature lovers will appreciate this unique setting. 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 Miami or Anchorage Better for Couples?
Miami
Anchorage
Both Miami and Anchorage are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be.
Anchorage is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. Anchorage makes a good base for couples who want to explore the unique area. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together.
Is Miami or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Miami
Anchorage
Miami and Anchorage are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.
It's common for backpackers to visit Anchorage. 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 Miami or Anchorage Better for Public Transit?
Miami
Anchorage
Miami provides more public transit options than Anchorage.
You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.
Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town.
Is Miami or Anchorage a more walkable city?
Miami
Anchorage
Miami and Anchorage both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.
Anchorage is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot.
Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Miami?
How long in Miami or Anchorage?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Anchorage than Miami.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Miami is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Anchorage is 1-3 days.
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How many days in Miami or Anchorage? Ideal Length of StayMiami 7Anchorage 1-3
One day in Miami or Anchorage?
People visit Miami because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
In Anchorage, many people enjoy the that this artsy destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
A weekend in Miami or Anchorage?
Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Miami. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Miami or Anchorage?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the glamorous beach city of Miami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Miami or Anchorage?
Miami is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
You'll find around the cultural destination of Anchorage. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $164Anchorage $153
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $164, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $153. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $105Anchorage $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $210Anchorage $186
Compare Hotels in Miami and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Miami 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: Miami Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $30Anchorage $22
Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
-
Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Transfers to Port of Miami: $28
- Luxury Airport Transfer from Miami International Airport: $33
- Private Departure Transfer: Miami City or Miami Beach to Miami Airport: $37
- Private Arrival Transfer: MIA Miami Airport to Miami City or Miami Beach: $37
- Miami Airport Transfer To Miami Area: $40
- Private Airport Transfer: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Miami: $41
- Private Airport Transfer: from Miami to Miami International Airport (MIA): $41
- Miami Private Airport Transfer: $44
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $46
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Downtown: $46
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Miami Airport to Miami Beach: $46
- Private Miami International Airport (MIA) Transfer: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
- Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $386
- Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $771
- Anchorage accommodation to Anchorage Airport (ANC) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $54
- Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $54
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $209
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport ANC to Seward Cruise Port: $292
- Private Transfer: Anchorage to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): $622
- Private Transfer: Seward Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $292
- Private Transfer: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to Anchorage: $622
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Miami 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 dayMiami $33Anchorage $40
Typical Food prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
-
David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Little Havana Street Food Tours: $61
- Haitian Cooking Experience: $85
- Private Little Havana Cuban Food Tour: $99
- Private VIP Historical Citywide Food Tour: $159
Typical Food prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
-
Bread$4.25
-
Breakfast for Two$17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Miami $25Anchorage $24
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
- Haunted Themed Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.84
- Miami Dance Cruise: $11
- Little Havana: Beyond Cuba Tour: $20
- La Perle de Little Haiti Tour: $20
- La Perle De Little Haiti Tour: $20
- Pirates Adventures Sightseeing Tour from Miami: $23
- Miami Skyline View Cruise: $23
- Skip the Line: Zoo Miami Ticket with Optional Upgrade: $25
- Biscayne Bay Boat Tour in Miami: $25
- Best of Little Havana Miami Tour: $25
- Sightseeing Cruise of Biscayne Bay: $27
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:
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $20
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $21
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $39
- Winter - Anchorage All Around City Tour: $49
- Alaska Native Historic Cultural City Tour of Anchorage: $59
- Gold Panning Self-Guided Tour: $69
- Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination": $69
- Beginner’s Snowshoeing Adventure: $81
- Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour: $95
- Explore Portage Valley a Self-Guided Tour: $99
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $99
- Alyeska Tram - A Self-Guided Tour: $99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMiami $18Anchorage $16
Typical Alcohol prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
-
Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $115
- Anchorage Bike and Brewery Tour: $219
- Alaska Brewery and Railroad Experience from Anchorage: $349
When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Anchorage, we can see that Miami 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
When is the best time to visit Miami 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 Miami or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Anchorage. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Miami is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The temperature in Miami is usually 83°F (28°C) in July, and Anchorage stays around 59°F (15°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMiami 83°F (28°C)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Miami or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Miami is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October are around 78°F (26°C), and Anchorage is about 35°F (2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMiami 78°F (26°C)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Miami or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums and the cuisine.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Anchorage stays around 15°F (-9°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Miami usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMiami 67°F (20°C)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Miami or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. Miami is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The temperature in Miami is usually 75°F (24°C) in April, and Anchorage stays around 36°F (2°C).
In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Miami usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMiami 75°F (24°C)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Miami
| Miami | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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