Which place is cheaper, Alaska or Montana?
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 Montana or Alaska?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Montana or Alaska, 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.
Where Should I go: Montana or Alaska?
Montana
Often called Big Sky Country for its vast blue skies, Montana is a state in the northwestern United States characterized by beautiful sweeping scenery from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the flatter prairie regions of the east. Some of the top attractions include Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Yellowstone, and of course the Rocky Mountains.
Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Montana Prices
USA PricesAlaska Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontana $153Alaska $280
The average daily cost (per person) in Montana is $153, while the average daily cost in Alaska is $280. 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 Montana and Alaska in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontana $49Alaska $135
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontana $98Alaska $270
Compare Hotels in Montana and Alaska
Looking for a hotel in Montana or Alaska? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montana $65Alaska $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
- Whittier to Anchorage Transfer on Sprinter Van: $199
- Whittier to Anchorage Shared Bus Transfer Service: $69
- Whittier to Anchorage Post Cruise Scenic Transfer Tour: $195
- Whittier to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour: $80
- Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $197
- Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife&Glacier tour to Anchorage: $199
- Seward to Anchorage Shared Bus Transfer Service: $75
- Seward to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour: $85
- Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Seward Cruise Transfer with Wildlife & Scenic Tour to Anchorage: $249
- Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Montana or Alaska?
Prices for flights to both Alaska and Montana 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 dayMontana $49Alaska $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montana
For Montana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glacier National Park: Whitewater Rafting with Dinner: $123
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
- Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre Experience: $95
- Aurora Viewing and Dinner: $120
- Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195
- Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner: $200
- Seward: Whale Watching & Glacier Dinner Cruise: $228
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montana $38Alaska $65
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
- 1 Hour Fairbanks Guided, Double Rider, Snowmobile Adventure: $260
- 1 Hour Fall Sled Dog Experience in Two Rivers: $130
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure in Boreal Forest: $159
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $175
- 14 passenger Whale Watching Tours in Icy Strait aka Hoonah AK: $293
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Chichagof Island Guided Driving Tour: $125
- 2 Hour Private Marine Wildlife Tour: $200
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $146
- 3 Hour Guided Driving Tour in Hoonah Alaska: $150
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontana $11Alaska $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skagway Spirits Distillery Tour Tasting and Scenic Views: $102
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour: $159
- Arctic Ale Trail: a Fairbanks Brewery Tour with Drinks & Pickup.: $189
- NEW: Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montana and Alaska, we can see that Alaska is more expensive. And not only is Montana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montana 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 Alaska would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alaska than you might in Montana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montana Expensive? and Is Alaska Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Montana or Alaska?
Montana has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of Montana and Alaska, 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.
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.