Ketchikan is a scenic town known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. 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. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, hiking in nature, or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Ketchikan, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Ketchikan?
You should plan to spend around $259 per day on your vacation in Ketchikan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $92 on meals
- $39 on local transportation
- $271 on hotels
A one week trip to Ketchikan for two people costs, on average, $3,626. 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
$1,813
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,626
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One Month
Per person
$7,770
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,626
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$7,252
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One Month
For a couple
$15,540
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ketchikan cost?
A one week trip to Ketchikan usually costs around $1,813 for one person and $3,626 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ketchikan on average costs around $3,626 for one person and $7,252 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 Ketchikan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ketchikan on average costs around $7,770 for one person and $15,540 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ketchikan expensive to visit?
Ketchikan is a popular town that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Ketchikan can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $111 per day, mid-range travelers spend $259 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $527 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ketchikan.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Ketchikan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Miami or Denali National Park.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ketchikan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ketchikan?
The average Ketchikan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ketchikan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ketchikan cost?
Ketchikan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$58
|
$136
|
$276
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$15
|
$39
|
$108
|
|
Food2
|
$40
|
$92
|
$176
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$20
|
$46
|
$87
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$5-15
|
$11-34
|
$23-70
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Ketchikan cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Ketchikan on a Shoestring Budget?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $111 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Ketchikan, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. It's a common desire for visitors to Ketchikan to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $259 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $527 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the town will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Ketchikan
The price of hotels in Ketchikan can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $231, while peak summer season averages can reach $431. Prices range from $179 to $571, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ketchikan 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 $136 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ketchikan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ketchikan include:
- Black Bear Inn Ketchikan starting at $244
- The Landing Hotel Ketchikan starting at $252
- Inn At Creek Street starting at $248
Ketchikan is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Exploring Ketchikan by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
Transportation Budget in Ketchikan
Ketchikan does not have a good public transit system. There are buses that travel through town.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $39 per person, per day, on local transportation in Ketchikan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ketchikan is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$39
Ketchikan is not directly accessible by car. There are ferries available which will get you there. The town is accessible only by air or sea. It is only about a 1.5 hour flight from Seattle, and there are a few different ferry departure locations as well, though one of the most popular ways to get to Ketchikan is on a cruise ship and many thousands of people visit the city through this method every year.
Getting around in Ketchikan is not too difficult. It is a small town with a population of only about 8,000, and its longest road is only 30 miles along the coast. The downtown area is compact and easy to walk, but there is also a free shuttle bus that runs the downtown loop from May-September, which are the busiest tourist months. There are also city buses and taxi's available.
If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.
How much does it cost to go to Ketchikan? 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 Ketchikan 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.
Typical prices for transit in Ketchikan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Ketchikan. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Ketchikan
With its world-class cuisine, Ketchikan is a food lover's paradise. Make it a priority to eat at local restaurants and try their standout dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Ketchikan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ketchikan is $92 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$92
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ketchikan is around $92 ($92) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $176. 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 Ketchikan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $28 to $65
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Ketchikan is the seafood lovers dream. Though it is known as the salmon capital, Ketchikan's seafood fare is not limited to this. You can find just about any kind of seafood you like here, and it is all fresh and cooked to perfection. The Alaskan Fish House is one of the top choices for some great seafood. Its location right downtown makes it easy to get to.
If you aren't really a seafood kind of person, that's okay. Ketchikan also has some great options for you. Check out Jeremiah's, a great pizza and pasta restaurant and one of the local favorites.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Typical food prices in Ketchikan, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
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Slice of Pie & Drink
$5.00
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ketchikan
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Ketchikan, as it is known for its food, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ketchikan typically cost an average of $46 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$46
There is plenty to see in Ketchikan. Just the natural scenery from town is breathtaking in itself, but there are plenty of other sights to see. The Tongass rainforest just a short ride from town, and is a beautiful sight with its towering trees and salmon filled river that often hosts thousands of salmon making their way back home to lay their eggs.
There is the totem park, which is home to several totems carved by local natives. This area in general is famous for totem poles, but the totem park has the biggest collection and is quite interesting to see, especially if you take the tour where a local native tells you the history and meaning behind the carvings.
There are numerous tours available in Ketchikan, including tours and performances by local Natives. The Tlingit tribe has a show where they tell the history of their people and perform many of their ritual dances and even allow you to join in if you like! It's a great way to learn a little history about the Native culture.
There is also a Ketchikan Duck tour available that takes you out to see some of the best of the beautiful area from both land and sea. It takes you both around the harbor in the downtown area and up through part of the Tongass Forest. It's a fun way to learn a little about the area while getting to see it from unique viewpoints.There are plenty of options for the more adventurous thrill seeker as well, including zip lining in the rain forest, going off road in an ATV, or going for a canoeing trip. Or, if you like a slower, more relaxing day, Ketchikan has a great selection of shops, from touristy souvenir shops to specialty stores with locally made items and art.
Hiking:
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking near Ketchikan. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ketchikan is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:
- Fish Tales & Ales - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars for $95 details
- Ketchikan Backcountry Driving Tour Through the Tongass for $155 details
- Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise for $189 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Ketchikan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Ketchikan
The nightlife in Ketchikan is fairly quiet and relaxed. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $23 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ketchikan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$23
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Ketchikan. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Ketchikan Pub Crawl for $79 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 24, 2025
Traveling in Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alasak
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
Most of the people who travel to Ketchikan (over 800,000 every year) come on a cruise ship. They stay for a couple of hours and see a few of the area's highlights. If you arrive by a different means of transportation and have more time to explore the area, you will find it has any number of activities to offer you. You can enjoy anything from kayaking to hiking, canopy tours, or seaplane tours. If you want to head into the surrounding area, you can visit the unique rain forest in the area. There are many isolated bays, deep channels, and small islands, all of which are worth a visit. If you can rent a boat for a few hours you are likely to have a once in a lifetime experience.
Neighborhoods & Around
Ketchikan is a relatively small city and does not include many separate neighborhoods. The primary location is the downtown area. This is where the cruise ships dock, the shopping areas are found, where the majority of the restaurants are located, and even where many of the cultural Native performances take place.
Just outside the city limits is where the Tongass Rainforest Park is located along with Totem Park. There are also a couple of small suburb areas which are mainly residential and are still considered part of the city by most.
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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.
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.