Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Saint John?
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 Saint John 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 Saint John 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: Saint John or Anchorage?
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Saint John Prices
USVI PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John $233Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $233, 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 Saint John and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John $106Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John $212Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Saint John 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: Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John $49Anchorage $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 Saint John or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Saint John 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 daySaint John $97Anchorage $87
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.Saint John $23Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
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 daySaint John $44Anchorage $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 comparing the travel costs between Saint John and Anchorage, we can see that Saint John 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. Even though Saint John is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint John or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John or Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint John is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In July, Saint John usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John 29°C (83°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Anchorage. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. 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, Saint John is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
Saint John receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John 28°C (82°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the 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, Saint John is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 26°C (78°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
In January, Saint John usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John 26°C (78°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Saint John or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Saint John during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. Saint John is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
Saint John usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John 27°C (80°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Saint John
| Saint John | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 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.