A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Ketchikan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando or Ketchikan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Ketchikan?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.

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


Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or San Fernando?

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 San Fernando is $188, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 San Fernando and Ketchikan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Ketchikan $136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Ketchikan

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando or Ketchikan? 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 San Fernando


Hotels in Ketchikan


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Ketchikan $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Bus Ride
    $1.00

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Ketchikan?

Prices for flights to both Ketchikan and San Fernando 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
    San Fernando $83
    Ketchikan $92

Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan

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


  • Slice of Pie & Drink
    $5.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Ketchikan $46

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan

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


  • Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
    $35
  • Duck Tour (one person)
    $38
  • Bear Viewing Tour
    $83

Tours and Activities in Ketchikan

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:

  • “OVER THE TOP TOURS” city highlights, wildlife and more!: $100
  • 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
  • 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
  • 2 Hour Private Tour with locals ( Price up to 5): $300
  • 2 hr Private Custom Tour of Ketchikan (14 people) Wildlife + More: $250
  • 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
  • 3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours: $125
  • Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $282
  • Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion: $260
  • Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour: $137
  • Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours: $100
  • Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Ketchikan $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Ketchikan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:

  • Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
  • Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161


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

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


Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Ketchikan?

San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and San Fernando during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in July than Ketchikan. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

San Fernando is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Fernando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Ketchikan. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. In the winter, San Fernando is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Fernando in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. San Fernando usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)

Should I visit San Fernando or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, San Fernando usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and San Fernando

San Fernando Ketchikan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 34°F (1°C) 14.9 inches (379 mm)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 38°F (3°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 39°F (4°C) 10.6 inches (270 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 44°F (6°C) 11.3 inches (286 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 49°F (9°C) 9.3 inches (237 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 8.2 inches (209 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 58°F (15°C) 7.6 inches (193 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 59°F (15°C) 11.1 inches (281 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 54°F (12°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 46°F (8°C) 22.9 inches (581 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 40°F (4°C) 17.3 inches (441 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 36°F (2°C) 15.7 inches (398 mm)


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