A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Fairbanks, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a suburban, cultural, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Atlanta travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Atlanta and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. It is also well known for the Georgia Aquarium. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Atlanta different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fairbanks and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Atlanta is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Atlanta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Atlanta is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Atlanta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Fairbanks are both nice to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Atlanta is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Atlanta or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Atlanta is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Atlanta or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Atlanta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Atlanta than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Atlanta than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Atlanta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Atlanta than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Atlanta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta than Fairbanks if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the suburban city of Atlanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Atlanta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Fairbanks, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Atlanta is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the autumn, Atlanta is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Atlanta usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Atlanta during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Atlanta is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Atlanta