How Much Should I Budget for Food in Alaska?

Food in Alaska isn’t cheap, since almost everything is shipped from thousands of miles away. But with a little planning, you can make room in your food budget to sample Alaska’s iconic seafood and delicious local specialties.

Here’s what to expect, plus some practical ways to stretch your dollar.

What Meals Cost at Restaurants

Expect prices higher than in the Lower 48:

• Breakfast: $9–$25

• Lunch: $14–$35

• Dinner: $28–$65

That could add up to $50–$125 per person, per day if you eat out for all three meals. A family of four could easily spend anywhere from $1400 - $3,500 on food in a week.

Popular Dishes and Prices

You’ll likely want to try Alaska’s famous seafood—and you should. Here’s the average cost:

• Wild salmon or halibut entree: $25–$40

• Seafood chowder: $15–$20

• Reindeer hot dog: $10–$15

• King crab legs: $85–$115 per pound (yes, they’re that expensive—but worth the splurge)

Here are our recommended restaurants throughout the state.

Buying Groceries

If you have access to a refrigerator or cooler, buying food at a supermarket can save you a lot of money. Alaska’s groceries are still among the most expensive in the U.S., but the overall cost is still far cheaper than eating out every meal.

• Couple (2 people): $200–$250 for a week

• Family of 4: $350–$400 for a week
  

Where to shop:

• Anchorage: You’ll find the best prices and selection at Fred Meyer, Carrs-Safeway, Walmart, and Costco.

• Fairbanks and Juneau: There are some good supermarket options, but they’re more expensive than Anchorage.

• Denali, Seward, Talkeetna, Homer, and other small towns: Grocery selection is limited and often more expensive. If you can, stock up in Anchorage or Fairbanks before you go.

Ways to Save on Food

• Enjoy free hotel breakfasts. If your hotel provides free breakfast, take advantage—even a simple spread means one less meal you’re paying for. There may even be fruit or packaged food that you could take to snack on later in the day.

• Bring easy breakfast items. If breakfast isn’t included, pack a few things from home, like granola bars and instant oatmeal packets. Use the hotel room coffee maker for hot water.

• Plan picnic lunches. Grab a disposable cooler and sandwich fixings, and you’re set. The bonus? Alaska’s scenery becomes your dining room backdrop. You might pull over along Turnagain Arm, spread your jacket on top of a mountain, or sit on the dock in Seward watching boats come and go. These simple “picnic with a view” moments often end up being some of travelers’ favorite memories.

• See if your tour includes a meal. Many Alaska tours provide food as part of the experience. Day cruises (from Seward into Kenai Fjords and from Whittier into Prince William Sound) often include a hot lunch onboard. Some ATV and horseback tours feature backcountry cookouts, while full-day guided hikes and rafting trips typically provide a picnic lunch. Checking the fine print ahead of time keeps you from double-paying for food you don’t need.

Alcohol in Alaska

Alaska has a strong craft beer scene, and many visitors enjoy sampling local brews. Expect to pay $7–$9 for a pint at a brewery or bar.

Wine and spirits are pricier than in the Lower 48 because of Alaska’s liquor tax. You’ll find lower prices in Anchorage at Costco, Fred Meyer, and Brown Jug; stock up before heading to smaller towns.

Sample Daily Budget

• All meals at restaurants: $50–$100 per person

• Mix of groceries and restaurants: $40–$60 per person

• Mostly groceries, with the occasional splurge: $25–$40 per person

Decide how often you want to splurge on Alaska’s famous fresh seafood, then fill in the rest of your visit with hotel breakfasts, picnic lunches, and grocery runs. This way, you can still enjoy the uniqueness of Alaska’s culinary scene without blowing your budget.