A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Richmond vs. Ketchikan for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Richmond 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 Richmond and Ketchikan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Richmond travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Richmond and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Richmond or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Richmond, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Richmond is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Richmond and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Richmond different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Richmond or Ketchikan?

Richmond 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 Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 the Food Better in Richmond or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Richmond or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Richmond is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

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 Richmond or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. 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.

Richmond is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Ketchikan?

Both Richmond and Ketchikan are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Richmond to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Richmond or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Richmond is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Richmond or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ketchikan is known to be 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Richmond or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Ketchikan is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Richmond or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is very good for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Richmond or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Richmond is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Richmond is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Both Richmond and Ketchikan offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

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

Is Richmond or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Ketchikan?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Richmond 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 Richmond or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Richmond. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Richmond has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Richmond or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Richmond. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Richmond. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Ketchikan?

Richmond is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Ketchikan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Richmond and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.

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

Which is Bigger, Richmond or Ketchikan?

Richmond has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Richmond 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 Richmond or Ketchikan?

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 Richmond or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Richmond because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the summer, Richmond is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Richmond in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Richmond. In July, Richmond usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Richmond or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Richmond during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Richmond this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Richmond is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 59°F (15°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Richmond usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Richmond or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Richmond and Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Richmond for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Richmond. Richmond is much warmer than Ketchikan in the winter. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Richmond usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Richmond or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Richmond as well as Ketchikan. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Richmond is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Richmond in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Richmond usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Richmond