A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Ketchikan for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

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 Las Vegas and Ketchikan. 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a entertaining, sexy, and glamourous entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Las Vegas and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture.

How is Las Vegas different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

Las Vegas is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is renowned for theatre. However, Ketchikan is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Ketchikan is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Las Vegas and Ketchikan offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is renowned for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. 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.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Music?

Las Vegas is renowned for live music. However, Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is renowned for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Las Vegas is a perfect choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Ketchikan is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

Las Vegas is renowned for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is renowned for romance. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a good destination for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Las Vegas and Ketchikan offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Las Vegas or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

For even more information, also check out Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Las Vegas and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Ketchikan. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Las Vegas if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ketchikan.

One day in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Ketchikan. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ketchikan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of Ketchikan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Las Vegas and Ketchikan, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Ketchikan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ketchikan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ketchikan 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas than you might in Ketchikan.

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

Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Ketchikan?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas 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.