A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Minneapolis vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Minneapolis or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Minneapolis and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Anchorage both to be nice destinations.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Anchorage area. 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 Minneapolis or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

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

Minneapolis offers plenty to do in the evening. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Minneapolis is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis or Anchorage Better for Families?

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for 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.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Anchorage Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis.

One day in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The nature-oriented city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Anchorage. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis and Anchorage, we can see that Minneapolis 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Anchorage?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Anchorage. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Minneapolis is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 76°F (25°C), 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 Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. Minneapolis is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minneapolis in January average around 15°F (-10°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In April, Minneapolis is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 49°F (10°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Minneapolis