Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Tucson?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tucson or Anchorage?
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 Tucson and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tucson or Anchorage?
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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 Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
-
Tucson Prices
USA PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTucson $184Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Tucson is $184, 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 Tucson and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTucson $93Anchorage $117
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTucson $186Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Tucson and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Tucson 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: Tucson Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tucson $27Anchorage $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
- Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport (ANC): $62
- One Way Private Transfer: $10
- Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299
- ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $75
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Tucson or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Tucson 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 dayTucson $63Anchorage $87
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.Tucson $16Anchorage $30
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:
- Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour: $150
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $239
- A Quest for Northern Lights Sightseeing Tour: $175
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $7,599
- Alaska Wildlife Center and Turnagain Arm Tour w/Alyeska Tram: $109
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $122
- Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day Adventure: $2,599
- Alaska: Ladies Only Snowshoe Adventure: $75
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTucson $16Anchorage $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 Tucson and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tucson Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tucson or Anchorage?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Tucson 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.
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.