General costs and ways to save in Alaska

Alaska can be on the pricer side so it's important know before you go and research ways to save.

GENERAL COSTS IN ALASKA 

To give you a rough idea of costs for planning a trip in Alaska, here are some examples:

Gasoline: $2.88/gallonHotel: $120-200/night.

Hostel: $40-80/night.

Campsite: $10 per night on average, $25 for ones with amenities.

Small car rental: $35/day in the winter and shoulder seasons, $100/day in the peak season.

Larger car/SUV rental: $50/day in the winter and shoulder seasons, $140/day in peak season.

Food: Preparing own meals: $1-5 per meal.

Budget restaurant/cafe: $10-15 per plate.

Midrange restaurant: $20-30 per plate.

Higher end restaurants: $30+ per plate

Entrance to museums and cultural centers: $10-15 per person.

Entrance to parks: Free to $10 per person.

Most of Alaska’s state and national parks are free to enter.

Denali charges $10 per person to enter.

Many state parks with road access and a parking lot will charge a $5 parking fee.

TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

Visit outside tourist season- June-August are the most expensive months to visit.

Consider the shoulder season (May & September).

Shop for airline sales- airlines have more competition between May and September as many more airlines fly to Alaska in the summer months. 

Use mileage- Are you part of an airline rewards program? If you are check to see if your airline or a partner of theirs flies to Alaska. 

Get outside- Most of Alaska’s natural attractions are free to visit aside from a parking fee at some sites.

All national parks in Alaska have free entrance except for Denali National Park! 

Go camping- Accommodation can get expensive in the high season. For those adventurous enough, pitching a tent is a great way to save money as many managed campgrounds in Alaska have inexpensive fees.