Should you visit Washington or Anchorage?
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 Washington and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
Which city is cheaper, Anchorage or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $153. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
Double occupancy rooms typically run around $182 in Washington For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
The average price for accommodation for two people in Anchorage is $186. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Food
The average traveler spends about $30 per day in Washington for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
In Anchorage travelers spend around $40 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Washington $30
Anchorage $40
Typical Food prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
-
Water
$2.00
-
Snacks on Monuments Tour
$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour:
$65
-
Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour:
$65
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Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle:
$65
-
Adams Morgan Food Tour:
$76
-
Lonely Planet Experiences: DC Morning Food Tour on H Street:
$79
-
Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience:
$79
-
Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour:
$79
-
Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner:
$81
-
U Street Neighborhood Food Tour:
$89
-
Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise:
$100
-
Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC:
$108
-
Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise:
$122
Typical Food prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
-
Bread
$4.25
-
Breakfast for Two
$17
Local Transportation
To get around in Washington, the average visitor spends $37 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
The cost of a taxi ride in Anchorage is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $22 per person, per day, on local transportation in Anchorage.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.:
$15
-
Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA):
$40
-
Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer:
$61
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Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car:
$72
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Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car:
$72
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Washington to Dulles International Airport (IAD):
$77
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Private Departure Transfer from Washington City to DCA Regan Washington Airport:
$78
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Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV:
$78
-
Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Van:
$82
-
Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV:
$82
-
Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Van:
$82
-
DCA Private 1-Way Transfer from D.C. City Center Hotels:
$97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
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Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$771
-
Private Transfer: Anchorage to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC):
$622
-
Private Transfer: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to Anchorage:
$622
-
Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer:
$386
-
Private Transfer: Seward Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport (ANC):
$292
-
Private Transfer Anchorage Airport ANC to Seward Cruise Port:
$292
-
Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port:
$209
-
Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$67
-
Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC):
$54
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC:
$54
-
Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer:
$34
-
Anchorage accommodation to Anchorage Airport (ANC) - Departure Private Transfer:
$34
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Washington 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.
Entertainment
In Washington, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $19 per person, per day.
Entertainment and activities in Anchorage typically cost an average of $24 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
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The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour:
$5.00
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Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour:
$5.00
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Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour:
$5.55
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The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour:
$5.55
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Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$14
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Washington DC: Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour:
$15
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Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$15
-
Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial:
$18
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Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC:
$19
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DC: Museum of the Bible Exclusive Early Admission Ticket:
$20
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Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour:
$20
-
Haunted History Ghost Tour:
$21
Typical Entertainment prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
-
1 Day Bike Rental
$33
-
1/2 Day Rafting Trip
$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
-
2 Hour eBike Adventure along Tony Knowles, Chester Creek Trails and Cook Inlet:
$120
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30 Minute Flightseeing Tour from Girdwood:
$326
-
9 Day Alaska Wildlife Tour w. Bear+Whale Viewing, 2 Nat'l Parks, Boutique Hotels:
$5,985
-
Alaska 7-Day Brown Bears and Denali Adventure from Anchorage:
$5,899
-
Alaska Crafted Tour and Railroad Adventure:
$339
-
Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing - 60 mins:
$390
-
Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour:
$527
-
Alaska Native Historic Cultural City Tour of Anchorage:
$59
-
Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup:
$105
-
Alaska Wildlife Tour:
$99
-
Alaska: 7-Day Brown Bear and Denali National Park Adventure:
$5,899
-
Alyeska Tram - A Self-Guided Tour:
$99
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Washington, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $15.
The average person spends about $16 on alcoholic beverages in Anchorage per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
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Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam:
$12
-
Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour:
$27
-
DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting:
$120
-
NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV:
$645
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6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour:
$920
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
-
Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings:
$115
-
Anchorage Bike and Brewery Tour:
$219
-
Alaska Brewery and Railroad Experience from Anchorage:
$349
When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Anchorage, we can see that Washington 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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