Comparison · Anchorage vs Seattle · United States
Anchorage vs Seattle
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Anchorage for Gateway to Alaska and Chugach Mountains; choose Seattle for Pike Place Market, Space Needle, beaches and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 2,309 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,309 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Anchorage
- June–August
- Best time for Seattle
- June–September
Side by side
| Anchorage | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Gateway to Alaska, Chugach Mountains and Moose in the city | Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Coffee culture |
| Best time to visit | June–August | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$400 | $250–$420 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -5°C (23°F) | January, 8°C (46°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | Alki Beach |
| Airports | ANC | SEA, PAE |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Anchorage for…
Gateway to Alaska and Chugach Mountains. Anchorage is home to about 40% of Alaska's population, spread between the Chugach Mountains and the tidal waters of Cook Inlet. It is the hub for most Alaska trips: the Alaska Railroad leaves for Seward, Whittier, Talkeetna and Denali, and glacier cruises…
Choose Seattle for…
Pike Place Market, Space Needle, beaches and free sights. Seattle stretches along hills between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier visible to the southeast on clear days. Most first-time visitors stay downtown and walk to Pike Place Market, the rebuilt waterfront and Pioneer Square, then take the…
Top sights compared
| # | Anchorage | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorage Museum | Pike Place Market |
| 2 | Alaska Native Heritage Center | Space Needle |
| 3 | Tony Knowles Coastal Trail | Chihuly Garden and Glass |
| 4 | Flattop Mountain | Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) |
| 5 | Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm | Waterfront and Pier 62 |
Food compared
| Anchorage | Seattle |
|---|---|
| Wild salmon | Wild Pacific salmon |
| Halibut | Dungeness crab |
| King crab | Pacific Northwest oysters |
| Reindeer sausage | Seattle-style hot dog |
Which is cheaper?
Anchorage and Seattle cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $240–$400 in Anchorage and $250–$420 in Seattle (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Anchorage on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,309 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Anchorage or Seattle cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $240–$400 in Anchorage and $250–$420 in Seattle (estimates).
+Is Anchorage or Seattle better for a first trip?
Pick Anchorage for Gateway to Alaska and Chugach Mountains, or Seattle for Pike Place Market, Space Needle, beaches and free sights.
+How far is Anchorage from Seattle?
About 2,309 km in a straight line.