Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Duck Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Duck Key or Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
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 Duck Key and Ketchikan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Duck Key or Ketchikan?
Duck Key
If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.
Ketchikan
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
-
Duck Key Prices
USA PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDuck Key $175Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Duck Key and Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDuck Key $56Ketchikan $136
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDuck Key $112Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Ketchikan? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Duck Key $69Ketchikan $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan and Duck Key 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
-
Food Meals for one dayDuck Key $77Ketchikan $92
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ketchikan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ketchikan.
- Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Duck Key $30Ketchikan $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
-
Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
-
Duck Tour (one person)$38
-
Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- “OVER THE TOP TOURS” city highlights, wildlife and more!: $100
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
- 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
- 2 Hour Private Tour with locals ( Price up to 5): $300
- 2 hr Private Custom Tour of Ketchikan (14 people) Wildlife + More: $250
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours: $125
- Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $282
- Alaska Bigfoot Adventures: $149
- Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion: $260
- Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDuck Key $7.99Ketchikan $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Ketchikan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Duck Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck Key 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Duck Key.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Duck Key Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Ketchikan?
Ketchikan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key 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 Duck Key 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 Duck Key or Ketchikan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Ketchikan. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
In July, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Duck Key usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDuck Key 84°F (29°C)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Duck Key is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Duck Key. In October, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDuck Key 80°F (27°C)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Ketchikan in the Winter?
Both Ketchikan and Duck Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Duck Key is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Duck Key usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDuck Key 70°F (21°C)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Ketchikan. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Duck Key is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDuck Key 77°F (25°C)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Duck Key
| Duck Key | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 mm) |
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.