Alaska Travel Costs: Realistic 2026 Budget Guide (Updated January 2026)
Alaska’s vast wilderness—glaciers, mountains, wildlife—makes it a dream destination, but its remoteness drives up prices. A typical 7-day independent land trip for two in summer costs $4,000–$8,000 total (excluding flights to Alaska), or $300–$600 per person/day mid-range.
Budget travelers camp, cook, and hike for under $2,000/person; luxury seekers with tours exceed $10,000. Prices peak June–August; shoulder seasons (May/September) save 10–20%.
Flights to Alaska (Roundtrip from Lower 48)
- Budget — $400–$600 (West Coast, advance/shoulder).
- Average — $700–$1,000.
Book early; use miles on Alaska Airlines/Delta.
Accommodations (Per Night, Double Room)
- Budget → Camping ($15–$30/site) or hostels ($50–$80/bed).
- Mid-range → $250–$450 (Anchorage/Juneau hotels/Airbnbs).
- Luxury → $500+ (remote lodges).
Car Rental + Gas (7 Days)
- Rental — $100–$200/day midsize/SUV (higher in peak summer; book early/Turo for savings).
- Gas — $4.50–$6/gallon (higher remote); $200–$400 total moderate driving.
Food (Per Person/Day)
- Budget — $30–$50 (groceries/camping meals).
- Mid-range — $60–$100 (mix fast food/restaurants).
- Splurge — $150+ (seafood fine dining).
Activities & Tours
- Free/Low-cost → Hiking, parks (Denali entry $15/person).
- Mid-range → $150–$400 flightseeing/glacier tours.
- Splurge → $500+ bear viewing/heli-tours.
7-Day Budget Breakdown (for 2 People, Excl. Flights to AK)
| Category | Budget (~$2,500 total) | Mid-Range (~$5,000 total) | Luxury (~$8,000+ total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodations | $300–$500 (camping) | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,000+ |
| Car Rental + Gas | $600–$800 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500+ (RV/premium) |
| Food | $400–$600 | $800–$1,200 | $1,500+ |
| Activities/Tours | $200–$500 (free hikes) | $1,000–$2,000 | $3,000+ |
| Misc (gear, fees) | $200 | $400 | $600+ |
Budget Tips: Travel May/September, camp/cook, use public land (BLM/free sites), book early, leverage miles/points. Alaska rewards planning—epic adventures don’t require luxury prices!
Questions on specific itineraries (e.g., Denali + Kenai) or current deals? Ask below!