Alaska is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Alaska?
A typical traveler spends $280 per day on a trip to Alaska. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Alaska based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $94 on meals
- $51 on local transportation
- $271 on hotels
A one-week trip to Alaska for two people costs, on average, $3,920. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,960
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,920
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One Month
Per person
$8,400
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,920
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$7,840
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One Month
For a couple
$16,800
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Alaska cost?
A one week trip to Alaska usually costs around $1,960 for one person and $3,920 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Alaska on average costs around $3,920 for one person and $7,840 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Alaska will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Alaska on average costs around $8,400 for one person and $16,800 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Alaska expensive to visit?
In Alaska, budget travelers spend $121 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $280 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $613 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Alaska.
Alaska is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Alaska can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Alaska is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Alaska Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Alaska?
The average Alaska trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Alaska travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Alaska cost?
Alaska on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$56
|
$135
|
$310
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$21
|
$51
|
$127
|
|
Food2
|
$40
|
$94
|
$188
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$26
|
$65
|
$165
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-12
|
$10-29
|
$22-65
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Alaska. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $121 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to Alaska typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $280 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $613 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Alaska
Alaska has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $ in the off-season and averages $ during peak season. Overall, you can expect prices from $ to $. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Alaska for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $271. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $135 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Alaska? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Alaska
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $51 per person, per day, on local transportation in Alaska. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Alaska is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$51
Traveling around Alaska can be a challenging and expensive ordeal because of the state's vast size and widespread wilderness. Many cities are only accessible by sea or air, making independent travel cumbersome and extraordinarily expensive. For this reason, many people choose to take a cruise to Alaska. Still, if cruises aren't your style and you have the money to pay, seeing Alaska independently can be very rewarding and life changing. Alaska Airlines has a virtual monopoly over flights within the state, so prices stay high. There are frequent flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks as well as flights to regional hubs like Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Dillingham, and Kodia, among other communities. Smaller communities are served by regional jet and turboprop commuter airlines and smaller towns and villages are accessed with scheduled or chartered Bush flying services.
The famous Alaska Railroad travels from Seward through Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks to the North Pole. There are also off shoots to Whittier and Palmer. There are private companies that offer luxury cars which are also pulled by the Alaska Railroad. In the past these cars were used by cruise lines but now it is possible for independent travelers to make reservations as well.
The road network in Alaska covers a very small part of the state. The central population centers are connected to Canada by the Alaska Highway, which is the main route out of the state. There are a few bus and shuttle services that travel between major cities in the state but there are no Greyhound, Chinatown or Megabus services within the state.
Cruises are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to see the state. Cruiselines that travel to Alaska include Holland America, Princess Cruises, Adventure Life, Norwegian, Carnival, AdventureSmith Explorations and Regent Seven Seas.
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage for $299 details
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal for $299 details
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour for $75 details
How much does it cost to go to Alaska? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Alaska will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Alaska
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Alaska can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Alaska is $94 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$94
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Alaska is around $94 ($94) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $188. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Alaska are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $28 to $65
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Food in Alaska is notoriously expensive, although portions are usually generous and filling. There are local diners in most towns and they serve good breakfasts that often include reindeer (or pork) sausage, eggs, and hash. Uniquely Alaskan foods include fireweed honey, spruce tip syrup, and pretty much any type of seafood. King and snow crabs are some of the most popular as is halibut and salmon. The "catch of the day" is almost always fresh and local, so you can't go wrong. Although restaurants in Alaska are expensive, it is worth it to splurge for some unique Alaskan meat or seafood. When else will you have this opportunity?
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Alaska. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza for $270 details
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer for $195 details
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour for $239 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Alaska
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Alaska typically cost an average of $65 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$65
Alaska is all about the natural beauty and wildlife. The vast size and remote nature of the state means that you can't possibly see all that it has to offer. Popular places to visit include Denali National Park, Prince William Sound, the Inside Passage and the Kenai Peninsula, among many, many other areas.
Alaska has no shortage of activities for wildlife lovers or adventure seekers. Popular activities include fishing, whale watching, rafting, glacier hiking and helicopter tours.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Alaska. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area for $199 details
- Metal Art Class Experience in Sitka for $235 details
- Juneau Lighthouse Tours - Whale watching & Lighthouse Combo for $199 details
Nightlife Budget in Alaska
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Alaska per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Alaska. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour! For $159 details
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience for $149 details
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings for $179 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 7, 2025
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Alaska
- Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.
Budgeting Challenges
- Alaska offers limited public transit options. Renting a car or having a pre-arranged ride, such as a tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
- Alaska isn't known for its hostels, so if you're banking on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your travel plans. A budget hotel or apartment rental could work better for you.
Traveling in Alaska
The wilderness of Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
Because Alaska is so large with such a range of elevations, the climate is quite diverse. The climate in the southeast is a mid-latitude or subarctic oceanic climate. This is the wettest and warmest part of the state. In Anchorage and the south central part of the state the climate is milder than most areas with less rain. Western Alaska is effected by the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. It receives a lot of precipitation but has milder temperatures than you might expect. Interior Alaska is subarctic. Here you will find both the highest and lowest temperatures in the state.
Regions
Alaska can be divided into five regions. Southeastern Alaska includes the Panhandle and Inland Passage. Southcentral Alaska includes Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. Southwestern Alaska includes the Alaskan Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Interior Alaska is where you will find Fairbanks and Arctic Alaska is where you will find Barrow, Nome and Kotzebue.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.