A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. Anchorage for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or Anchorage?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint John's or Anchorage? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Saint John's or Anchorage?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Saint John's?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $272, 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's and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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.

Hotels in Saint Johns


Hotels in Anchorage


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $42
  • Antigua&Barbuda Airport (ANU) to Antigua&Barbuda Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Antigua island hotels to St. John's Port: $57
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
  • Antigua to Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) - Departure Transfer: $64
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $77
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $84
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93

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's or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Saint John's 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint John's $117
    Anchorage $87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
  • Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum: $165

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Half Day Historical Tour in Antigua with Beach: $70
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
  • SoCoHo Eco Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $85
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Biggvee Bus Adventure: $90
  • Clear Kayak Tour in Mangrove Antigua: $90
  • Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua: $90
  • Circumnavigate Tour: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    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 Saint John's and Anchorage, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Anchorage much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Anchorage would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Anchorage 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's than you might in Anchorage.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint John's or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Anchorage. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Saint John's is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Saint John's during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In April, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the spring, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Saint John's

Saint John's Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)