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

Should you visit Boston or Fairbanks?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Fairbanks. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Boston travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Boston and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boston or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Boston is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Boston different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boston or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Boston is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Boston is not a skiing destination.

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

Boston 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, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Boston or Fairbanks Better for Theater?

Boston is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Fairbanks is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Fairbanks is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Boston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Boston has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Boston or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Boston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Boston or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Boston or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Boston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Boston or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston 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.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Fairbanks?

Both Boston and Fairbanks are notable shopping destinations.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fairbanks. 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 Boston or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Boston 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.

Boston is a beautiful place to visit, too. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Is Boston or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Boston or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Boston and Fairbanks both notable destinations for a couple.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Fairbanks makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Boston or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Boston or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Boston 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 Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation 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 Boston or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Boston 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 Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Boston Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Boston?

How long in Boston or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Boston or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boston due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

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

One day in Boston or Fairbanks?

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boston or Fairbanks?

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Fairbanks?

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Fairbanks?

Boston is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the remote destination of Fairbanks. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Boston and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Boston or Fairbanks?

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

Both Fairbanks and Boston during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Boston is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Boston usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. Boston is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Boston usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Boston or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boston as well as Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Boston in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Boston can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Boston is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Boston usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In April, Boston is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Boston usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Boston