Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Valdosta?
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 Valdosta or Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta or Ketchikan? 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: Valdosta or Ketchikan?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Valdosta Prices
USA PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $169Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $169, 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 Valdosta and Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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.
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: Valdosta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Ketchikan $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan and Valdosta 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 dayValdosta $77Ketchikan $92
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdosta $19Ketchikan $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdosta $27Ketchikan $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 Valdosta and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Ketchikan?
Valdosta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Ketchikan?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Valdosta or Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan and Valdosta during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Valdosta is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Valdosta. Valdosta usually gets more rain in July than Ketchikan. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Ketchikan. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Valdosta is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Valdosta usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Ketchikan. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Valdosta is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valdosta in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Valdosta usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Ketchikan in the Spring?
Both Ketchikan and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Valdosta is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 67°F (19°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In April, Valdosta usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Valdosta
| Valdosta | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.