A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Ketchikan for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Roanoke or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Ketchikan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Roanoke and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke is more popular for its nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Ketchikan?

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Ketchikan and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Roanoke or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is renowned for hiking. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Ketchikan?

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

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Ketchikan make for a great place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Ketchikan are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Roanoke and Ketchikan both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Roanoke or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Ketchikan?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Roanoke 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Roanoke or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Roanoke. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ketchikan, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Roanoke or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Ketchikan, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Roanoke. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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.

Ketchikan 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 Roanoke or Ketchikan?

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Ketchikan. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ketchikan. 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 Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Ketchikan?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Ketchikan, 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 Roanoke or Ketchikan?

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 Roanoke or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Roanoke is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. Roanoke is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Roanoke usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Roanoke is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Roanoke