A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wilmington vs. Ketchikan for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Wilmington or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Ketchikan, 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Wilmington and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

Both Ketchikan and Wilmington have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Wilmington is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Ketchikan is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Wilmington different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Wilmington or Ketchikan.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Wilmington or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Wilmington to see the historical old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Ketchikan both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Ketchikan offers some nice shopping areas. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Wilmington and Ketchikan are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Wilmington is a very family-friendly destination. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Ketchikan is a very kid-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Wilmington and Ketchikan are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wilmington and Ketchikan both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Wilmington or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is great for its walkability. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wilmington and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than in Ketchikan. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Wilmington 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. 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.

With museums and food around the scenic town of Ketchikan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Wilmington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ketchikan, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming city of Wilmington. 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.

Ketchikan, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Ketchikan?

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Wilmington 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. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Ketchikan?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington and Ketchikan, 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 Wilmington or Ketchikan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Wilmington or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Wilmington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wilmington is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ketchikan. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Ketchikan. The autumn months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the autumn, Wilmington is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wilmington in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Ketchikan. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. In January, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 45°F (7°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Wilmington usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Wilmington is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, Wilmington usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Wilmington