A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

New York City and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or Anchorage?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Anchorage, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Anchorage is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Anchorage and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is New York City different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Anchorage?

New York City is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City or Anchorage Better for Theater?

New York City is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Anchorage is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Anchorage is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

New York City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City or Anchorage Better for Music?

New York City is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Anchorage?

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

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City or Anchorage Better for Christmas?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Anchorage does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Anchorage does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Anchorage Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Anchorage does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Anchorage does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or Anchorage Better for Families?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City or Anchorage Better for Couples?

New York City is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

New York City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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.

Is New York City or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Plenty of backpackers 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 New York City or Anchorage Better for Students?

New York City is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

New York City is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in New York City can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all 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 New York City or Anchorage a more walkable city?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or New York City?

How long in New York City or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New York City and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or Anchorage?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in New York City or Anchorage?

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in New York City or Anchorage?

People visit New York City 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Anchorage. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in New York City or Anchorage?

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful city of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Anchorage, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Anchorage would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Anchorage 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, New York City or Anchorage?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to New York City as well as Anchorage. Most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

New York City is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. New York City usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. New York City gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and New York City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, New York City is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New York City in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In October, New York City usually receives more rain than Anchorage. New York City gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New York City or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and New York City during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. In January, New York City is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in New York City average around 31°F (-1°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

New York City usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. New York City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New York City or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New York City and Anchorage. Many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. New York City is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in New York City averages around 52°F (11°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In April, New York City usually receives more rain than Anchorage. New York City gets 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and New York City