Honolulu, San Juan, Anchorage vs Mainland USA (living, best, cost)

[BlueRedTide]

Honolulu, San Juan, Anchorage vs the Mainland


Alaska and The Islands vs the lower 48 states

Compare and Contrast Honolulu Hawaii, San Juan Puerto Rico, and Anchorage Alaska, to a random but fair selection of cities from the Contiguous United States in terms of
- Best for Vacation
- Physical Beauty/Scenery
-Vibrancy (fast pace city)
-Vibrancy (slow pace city)
-Vibrancy (the pace you prefer)
- Quality of life
- Cost of Living
- Best All Around City

[FL_Expert]

I’ve only been to San Juan, but it was surprisingly nice. Basically just another US state, but in a tropical paradise. Old San Juan is gorgeous too. It has the other two cities beat in terms of accessibility since it’s an east 2-3 hour flight from the mainland US.

However, my vote actually went to San Diego.

[BigCity76]

San Juan blows HI and AK out of the water for convenience and accessibility for the majority of the country.

I loved my time in San Juan. Really cool vibes and solid food scene too. Doesn't feel nearly as isolated as Hawaii. I've never been to Alaska but I'm sure the same holds true.

[AZLiam]

Been to San Juan a couple times - beautiful beaches, nightlife was fun and more festive than HI, horrible drivers

Been to Honolulu about 9 times - lots do do - I also enjoy the North Shore of Oahu

Never been to AK - hope to visit one day

I live out west, so HI is closer.

HI pretty expensive compared to San Juan. Crime is worse in San Juan.

I would take Miami over San Juan and San Diego over Honolulu (I think).

[NJ Brazen_3133]

I vote Anchorage because I like the cold, and king crabs.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by BigCity76

San Juan blows HI and AK out of the water for convenience and accessibility for the majority of the country.

I loved my time in San Juan. Really cool vibes and solid food scene too. Doesn't feel nearly as isolated as Hawaii. I've never been to Alaska but I'm sure the same holds true.

Except the traffick and parking are horrendous.

[BigCity76]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Except the traffick and parking are horrendous.

Highly doubt the vast majority of tourists or vacationers are basing their travel decisions on finding a parking spot for their rental car or navigating rush hour traffic. Neither are high priorities or considerations for most.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by BlueRedTide

Honolulu, San Juan, Anchorage vs the Mainland


Alaska and The Islands vs the lower 48 states

Compare and Contrast Honolulu Hawaii, San Juan Puerto Rico, and Anchorage Alaska, to a random but fair selection of cities from the Contiguous United States in terms of ...

- Best for Vacation--HONOLULU

- Physical Beauty/Scenery--HONOLULU

-Vibrancy (fast pace city)--HONOLULU

-Vibrancy (slow pace city)--ANCHORAGE

-Vibrancy (the pace you prefer)--ANCHORAGE because traffic in Honolulu is ridiculous

- Quality of life--HONOLULU

- Cost of Living--something tells me SAN JUAN might have the most favorable COL

- Best All Around City--HONOLULU has world class shopping, dining, attractions, nightlife but San Juan is no slouch--Anchorage is very small compared to other 2 but has it's charms.

[SEAandATL]

If money were no object, Honolulu. I voted for SLC though as best all-around, especially due to the scenery, cleanliness, low crime rate, and easy access to other Mountain West locations.

[Joakim3]

Best for Vacation - Depends on what you want.

Physical Beauty/Scenery - Honolulu, Anchorage, San Juan

Vibrancy (fast pace city) - San Juan and it's not even close

Vibrancy (slow pace city) - Anchorage

Vibrancy (the pace you prefer) - Honolulu is a good mix of both

Quality of life - Honolulu

Cost of Living - San Juan (it is very poor)

Best All Around City - Honolulu