Which place is cheaper, Virginia or Alaska?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Alaska or Virginia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Alaska or Virginia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Alaska or Virginia?
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.
Virginia
One of the original thirteen British colonies, Virginia is a place of rich history and varied environments. You might explore the historic settlement of Colonial Williamsburg, dive into the current culture of its major cities, or get lost in nature along the coast or in the scenic landscape of the Appalachian Mountains. There's a little something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Alaska Prices
USA PricesVirginia Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlaska $280Virginia $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Alaska is $280, while the average daily cost in Virginia is $185. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Alaska and Virginia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlaska $135Virginia $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlaska $270Virginia $160
Compare Hotels in Alaska and Virginia
Looking for a hotel in Alaska or Virginia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alaska $51Virginia $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
- Whittier to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour: $77
- Seward to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour: $79
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Whittier to Anchorage Land Transfer Tour With AWCC: $199
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Seward to Anchorage transfer with National Park hike and AWCC: $249
- Seward to Anchorage Scenic Transfer Photo Tour: $295
- Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage : $299
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Virginia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Virginia:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50
- Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
- Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
- Private Transfer To or From Reston and Dulles International Airport: $205
- Airport Transfer to or from Mclean, VA and Reagan Airport(DCA): $215
- Airport Transfer to or from Mclean, VA and Dulles Airport: $225
- Private transfer to or from Reston and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $230
- Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275
Is it cheaper to fly into Alaska or Virginia?
Prices for flights to both Virginia and Alaska 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAlaska $94Virginia $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
- Aurora Viewing and Dinner : $120
- Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $239
- Electric Moose Studios Aurora Adventure W/Portraits & Hot Pizza!!: $270
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Virginia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Virginia.
- The Dairy Market Food Tour: $75
- The Carytown Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
- Church Hill Food Tour with Discover Richmond Tours: $90
- Arts District Food Tour in Richmond with Discover Richmond: $90
- Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $94
- City Cruises Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
- Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alaska $65Virginia $24
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
- Skagway Downtown Walking Private Tour Experience: $9.75
- Discover Seward: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Alaska Native Heritage Center Admission Ticket: $30
- Kennecott Mill Town Tour: $36
- Seward Alaska Historical City Tour Adventure: $45
- Siberian Husky Kennel Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $49
- Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN: $49
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Juneau City Tour: $52
- 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
Tours and Activities in Virginia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Virginia are as follows:
- Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
- Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
- Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
- Historical Fredericksburg SmartPhone App Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
- Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
- Charlottesville Scavenger Hunt Experience: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlaska $20Virginia $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl : $75
- Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau: $115
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
Sample the Local Flavors in Virginia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Virginia:
- Richmond Virginia Bar Crawl: $15
- Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15
- Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
- Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $37
- The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48
- Family Wine Tour: $85
- Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $86
- Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90
- Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $95
- 5 Hour Historic Thomas Jefferson Wine Tour: $248
- Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour: $248
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alaska and Virginia, we can see that Alaska is more expensive. And not only is Virginia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia 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 Alaska would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alaska than you might in Virginia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alaska Expensive? and Is Virginia Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Alaska or Virginia?
Virginia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of Alaska and Virginia, 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.
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.