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

Should you visit Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Salt Lake City and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Salt Lake City and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Salt Lake City than Anchorage. While Anchorage is larger than Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is better known for its museums and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Also, Salt Lake City is famous for Temple Square. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Salt Lake City different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Salt Lake City and Anchorage both to be notable destinations.

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

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 Salt Lake City or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

The respectable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Salt Lake City and Anchorage.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Salt Lake City. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Anchorage is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Salt Lake City or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salt Lake City or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking. 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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Salt Lake City and Anchorage.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Salt Lake City or Anchorage Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Salt Lake City or Anchorage.

Salt Lake City is a family-friendly city. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Anchorage. 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 Salt Lake City or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Salt Lake City or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Anchorage is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Salt Lake City is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Salt Lake City and Anchorage are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Salt Lake City is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Salt Lake City?

How long in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salt Lake City and Anchorage. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Salt Lake City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

Couples should spend more time in Anchorage than Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Salt Lake City. 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.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and food around the religious destination of Salt Lake City. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the religious city of Salt Lake City. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Salt Lake City 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Anchorage. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 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 Salt Lake City and Anchorage, we can see that Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salt Lake City or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Salt Lake City. When comparing the sizes of Salt Lake 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.