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

Should you visit Berkeley or Fairbanks?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Berkeley travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Berkeley and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berkeley. Although Berkeley and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also well known for University of California Botanical Garden. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Berkeley different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a skiing destination.

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

Berkeley 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.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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 Berkeley or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Berkeley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Berkeley or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. 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.

Berkeley is a gorgeous place to visit. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Is Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Berkeley and Fairbanks are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. 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 Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

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

Berkeley is a good city for couples to visit. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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 Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Berkeley and Fairbanks are very good destinations for backpackers.

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Berkeley or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Berkeley 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 Berkeley, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

One day in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

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

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the progressive destination of Berkeley. 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.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Berkeley. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Fairbanks?

Berkeley 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Fairbanks?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Berkeley during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Berkeley is around the same temperature as Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Berkeley usually gets less rain in July than Fairbanks. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, 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, Berkeley is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berkeley or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Fairbanks. The winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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, Berkeley is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Berkeley is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Berkeley