There is no official average motel cost in Alaska, but KAYAK’s Alaska hotel data accessed on October 25, 2026 shows an overall hotel average of about $212 per night, ranging from about $177 in November to about $386 in August. Budget motels and three-star rooms have recently been listed from roughly $55 to $88 on some dates, well below those averages.
Alaska prices are driven by a short, intense summer season, so the month you travel matters more than almost any other choice. This guide covers what the data says, what taxes to add, and how to find a cheaper Alaska motel.
Data snapshot: October 25, 2026. Prices change daily, so recheck your dates before booking.
Quick Answer
Expect about $212 per night as an overall Alaska hotel average, with motels and economy rooms usually below that. November is the cheapest month at about $177 and August the most expensive at about $386. Recent budget listings have started around $55 to $88 on some dates, and Anchorage adds a 12% room tax.
Key Takeaways
- KAYAK shows about $212 as an overall Alaska hotel average; there is no separate motel-only statewide figure.
- November averages about $177 per night, while August averages about $386, more than double.
- Recent weeknight and weekend averages were close (about $293 and $280), which is common in peak travel season.
- Cheap listings from about $55 to $88 exist but are date-specific, and many seasonal lodges close in winter.
- Anchorage charges a 12% room tax on short-term stays, and other cities set their own bed taxes.
Average Motel Cost in Alaska: What the Data Shows
Booking sites do not publish a statewide motel-only average for Alaska, so this guide uses the hotel market as a ceiling and recent low listings as a floor. Motels and economy chains usually price between the two.
| Measure | Benchmark | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Overall average price | About $212 per night | Broad planning figure; basis not specified by KAYAK |
| Recent Sunday–Thursday average | About $293 per night | Recent summer-weighted weeknight rate |
| Recent Friday–Saturday average | About $280 per night | Weeknights can match weekends in peak season |
| Lowest month | November, about $177 | Many seasonal lodges are closed then |
| Highest month | August, about $386 | Book early and expect minimum stays |
| Cheapest day | Thursday, about $268 | Compare nearby dates |
| Most expensive day | Tuesday, about $309 | Day patterns vary by city |
| Recent lowest listings | About $55–$88 for budget and three-star rooms | One-off lows, not averages |
Note: KAYAK’s Alaska page contains some inconsistent figures, including seasonal labels that do not match its monthly data. Treat each number as an approximate benchmark.
Cheapest Months for Alaska Motels
November is the cheapest month in KAYAK’s data at about $177 per night, and August the most expensive at about $386. That is a difference of about $209 per night, or more than double.
Shoulder months such as May and September often sit between those extremes, but the data above does not give exact figures for them, so compare your own dates. Be careful with winter prices: many motels, cabins, and lodges in tourist towns such as Seward and near Denali operate seasonally, so a low rate may come with limited services or reduced road and tour access. See our guide to Alaska hotel prices in summer for peak-season detail.
Alaska Motel Prices by City
Location is the second biggest factor. Larger year-round cities have more competition, while park gateways and cruise ports can be expensive in summer.
- Anchorage: the largest market, with the most year-round budget and chain properties.
- Fairbanks: a regional hub with options for aurora season and Denali trips.
- Juneau: a cruise-driven market where summer demand is high.
- Denali area: limited inventory and some of the highest summer prices.
Compare nearby towns when your destination is expensive, but add the extra fuel, parking, and driving time.
Alaska Taxes and Fees to Add
Alaska has no statewide sales tax, but cities and boroughs set their own sales and bed taxes. For example, the Municipality of Anchorage charges a 12% room tax on short-term stays under 30 days. Other communities use different rates, so check the final booking screen.
Under the FTC’s fee rule, effective May 12, 2025, mandatory lodging fees must be included in the displayed total price. Taxes and optional extras such as parking or pet fees may still be shown separately.
When to Book an Alaska Motel
KAYAK suggests booking at least one day before arrival in its Alaska data, but that reflects off-peak discounting. In June, July, and August, rooms near parks and cruise ports can sell out well in advance. Book a refundable rate as soon as your dates are firm and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
Ways to Save on Alaska Motels
- Travel in the shoulder season. Late spring and September are usually cheaper than July and August.
- Stay in a larger city and take day trips instead of staying in a park gateway town.
- Choose free breakfast and a kitchenette to cut food costs.
- Compare the final total including the local room tax, parking, and pet fees.
- Book refundable and recheck prices before the deadline.
- Check that the property is open for your dates if you travel outside summer.
More Alaska and Motel Cost Guides
- Average hotel cost per night in Alaska for chain and full-service hotels.
- Average resort cost per night in Alaska for lodge and resort stays.
- Average motel cost per night in the USA for a nationwide benchmark.
- Hotel occupancy tax by state to compare lodging taxes nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average motel cost in Alaska?
There is no official motel-only average. KAYAK shows an overall Alaska hotel average of about $212 per night, and motels and economy rooms are usually cheaper, with recent budget listings starting around $55 to $88 on some dates.
What is the cheapest month to stay in Alaska?
KAYAK’s data shows November as the cheapest month at about $177 per night and August as the most expensive at about $386. Many seasonal properties close in winter, so check availability.
Does Alaska charge a bed tax on motels?
Alaska has no statewide sales tax, but cities and boroughs set their own bed taxes. Anchorage, for example, charges a 12% room tax on short-term stays under 30 days.
Are Alaska motels open year-round?
Properties in larger cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks are generally open year-round, while many motels, cabins, and lodges in tourist towns operate seasonally. Check each property’s dates before booking.
How far ahead should I book an Alaska motel?
KAYAK suggests at least one day ahead for its data, but peak-season rooms near parks and cruise ports can sell out months ahead. Book refundable as soon as your dates are firm.
Conclusion
Alaska motel costs are driven by season more than anything else. KAYAK’s hotel data accessed on October 25, 2026 shows about $177 in November versus about $386 in August, with budget listings from roughly $55 to $88 on some dates.
Pick your month first, compare nearby towns, add the local room tax, and book a refundable room for summer travel. That gives a more reliable budget than any single average.
Sources
- KAYAK: Alaska Hotels — overall average, weeknight and weekend averages, monthly and daily data, and recent low prices, accessed October 25, 2026
- Municipality of Anchorage: Room Tax — 12% tax on short-term stays under 30 days
- Federal Trade Commission: Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees — upfront total-price rules for short-term lodging
