A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Anchorage for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. The famous beauty of Anchorage is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Anchorage travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Anchorage. While Anchorage is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Anchorage is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Anchorage and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

Anchorage is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do in the evening. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Anchorage is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Anchorage and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Anchorage is one of the main draws. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Anchorage is a family-friendly coastal city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Anchorage. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The outdoorsy destination of Anchorage offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and food around the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Anchorage. The autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. 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. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. 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 January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Fort Lauderdale