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

Should you visit Baltimore or Fairbanks?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Baltimore travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Baltimore and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Baltimore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Baltimore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baltimore is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also home to the National Aquarium. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Baltimore different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Baltimore or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Baltimore is not a skiing destination.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

Baltimore is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. 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.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Fairbanks are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Baltimore can get you to most places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Baltimore or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

One day in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the unique destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Baltimore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic city of Fairbanks. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Fairbanks?

Baltimore 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.

Fairbanks is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Fairbanks?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Fairbanks?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the autumn. In October, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Baltimore during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Baltimore is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Baltimore is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baltimore in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Baltimore