A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Anchorage?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a nature-oriented, outdoorsy, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Sydney and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Anchorage. Sydney is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Sydney different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Sydney that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sydney makes for a great culinary experience. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Anchorage?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Sydney is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. 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 Sydney or Anchorage Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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.

Is Sydney or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. 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 Sydney or Anchorage Better for Students?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Anchorage a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sydney and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Anchorage?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Anchorage?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Anchorage?

People visit Sydney 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Anchorage?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, 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 Sydney and Anchorage, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Anchorage?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Anchorage?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Anchorage has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Anchorage. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sydney is a little warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Anchoragein July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Anchorage. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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 April, Sydney is generally much warmer than Anchoragein October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Anchoragein October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Anchoragein October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Sydney is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives more rain than Anchoragein January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the spring, Sydney is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C)in April.

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchoragein April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Anchoragein April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Sydney