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

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a archeological, tropical, and active town. 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 cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Tulum and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Anchorage are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Anchorage is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Tulum is more touristy than Anchorage and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Tulum different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum 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 Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum 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, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Tulum is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tulum is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

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

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Anchorage?

Tulum is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Anchorage Better for Families?

Tulum is a well-known 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.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Anchorage is a family-friendly town. 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 Tulum or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

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

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Anchorage a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Tulum. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this artsy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Anchorage?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient destination of Tulum. 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 town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Anchorage?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the ancient town of Tulum. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Anchorage?

Tulum is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, 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 Tulum and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Anchorage?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

Tulum is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum 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 the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Anchorage. Many travelers come to Tulum 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. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Anchorage. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. Tulum is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Tulum