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

Should you visit Oslo or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo 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.

Oslo

Oslo is a park-filled, green, and clean city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Oslo and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Anchorage?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oslo than Anchorage, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Oslo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Anchorage is known for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. It is also home to The Royal Palace. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Oslo different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo 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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch 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 Oslo or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Oslo and Anchorage can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

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 Oslo or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Oslo is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

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 Oslo or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Anchorage?

Anchorage is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Anchorage is a great destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Oslo or Anchorage Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable 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.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Oslo or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Oslo and Anchorage are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Anchorage is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Oslo or Anchorage Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Oslo 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 Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo or Anchorage a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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 Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Anchorage?

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

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

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

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

One day in Oslo or Anchorage?

People visit Oslo because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oslo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Oslo or Anchorage?

People visit Oslo because there is so much to do. 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.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Anchorage?

People visit Oslo 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the nature-oriented destination of Anchorage. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Anchorage?

Oslo 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.

The nature-oriented city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Oslo.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Anchorage?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Oslo is a little warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. Oslo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Oslo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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. In the autumn, Oslo is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Anchorage. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Oslo is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oslo usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Anchorage. Most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Oslo is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. In the spring, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Oslo