Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Eugene?
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 Eugene or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Eugene and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Eugene or Anchorage?
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Eugene Prices
USA PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEugene $190Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Eugene is $190, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Eugene and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEugene $97Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEugene $194Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Eugene and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Eugene or Anchorage? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Eugene Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eugene $37Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
- ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
- Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299
- One Way Private Transfer: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Eugene 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 dayEugene $71Anchorage $87
Typical Food Prices in Eugene
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:
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Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)$16
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Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)$12
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eugene -Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage's Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife: $59
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Alaska: Ladies Only Snowshoe Adventure: $75
- Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife Adventure: $79
- Downtown Anchorage Tour on 14-Passenger Electric Vehicle: $100
- Anchorage's Authentic Dog Sledding Experience: $105
- Alaska Wildlife Center and Turnagain Arm Tour w/Alyeska Tram: $109
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEugene -Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $310
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eugene and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Eugene much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eugene would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eugene 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Eugene.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eugene Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eugene or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Eugene. When comparing the sizes of Eugene and Anchorage, 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 Eugene or Anchorage?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Eugene or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eugene and Anchorage. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Eugene is generally a little warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 68°F (20°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In July, Eugene usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Eugene gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEugene 68°F (20°C)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Eugene as well as Anchorage. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. Eugene is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eugene averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
Eugene receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Eugene usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Eugene gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEugene 55°F (13°C)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Eugene are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the winter, Eugene is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eugene in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).
It's quite rainy in Eugene. In January, Eugene usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Eugene gets 7.1 inches (181 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEugene 41°F (5°C)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Eugene during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Eugene is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 51°F (11°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
Eugene usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Eugene gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEugene 51°F (11°C)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Eugene
| Eugene | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 48°F (9°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 42°F (5°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 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.