Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Saint John?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John or Ketchikan?
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 Saint John and Ketchikan. 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.
Where Should I go: Saint John or Ketchikan?
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John $192Ketchikan $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $192, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $220. 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 Saint John and Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John $106Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John $212Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Saint John or Ketchikan? 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.Saint John $49Ketchikan $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan and Saint John 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 daySaint John $56Ketchikan $53
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John $23Ketchikan $46
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Husky Walking Tour: $49
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan Highlights Private Tour: $69
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience: $89
- Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John $44Ketchikan $23
When comparing the travel costs between Saint John and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Saint John is in Caribbean Islands and Ketchikan is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint John or Ketchikan?
Ketchikan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John or Ketchikan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint John is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint John usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John 29°C (83°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Ketchikan. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Saint John is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Saint John receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John 28°C (82°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Ketchikan in the Winter?
Both Ketchikan and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. In January, Saint John is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 26°C (78°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Saint John usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John 26°C (78°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Ketchikan in the Spring?
Both Ketchikan and Saint John during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
Saint John is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint John usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John 27°C (80°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Saint John
| Saint John | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 mm) |
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.