A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Phoenix vs. Anchorage for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Phoenix or Anchorage?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Phoenix and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Anchorage?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Anchorage than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Anchorage, Anchorage has more sights and attractions for tourists. Anchorage is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its nightlife. Anchorage is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Also, Anchorage is famous for Chugach State Park. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Anchorage and Phoenix.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Phoenix or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Phoenix and Anchorage can be an enjoyable experience.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Anchorage offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Phoenix or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Anchorage?

If you're looking to go shopping, Phoenix and Anchorage both offer plenty of notable spots.

Phoenix has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

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.

Is Phoenix or Anchorage Better for Families?

Both Phoenix and Anchorage are notable to visit with kids.

Phoenix offers lots of family activities. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Anchorage is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Phoenix or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Anchorage is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Phoenix or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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 Phoenix or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Phoenix and Anchorage are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

Anchorage is generally not very walkable. 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 Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Anchorage. In our opinion, Anchorage has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Anchorage than Phoenix. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Anchorage than Phoenix. 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 Anchorage than Phoenix 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 Anchorage.

One day in Phoenix or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Phoenix or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Phoenix or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Phoenix. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Phoenix or Anchorage?

Phoenix 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phoenix and Anchorage, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Anchorage?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Phoenix during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in July than Anchorage. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Anchorage. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In October, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Anchorage. Many travelers come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. Phoenix is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the winter, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in January than Anchorage. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Phoenix is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Phoenix