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

Should you visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a evolving, up-and-coming, and growing 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 Charlotte 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.

Charlotte and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlotte or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte. Although Charlotte and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Charlotte has more sights and attractions for tourists. Charlotte is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Charlotte is famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also well known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Charlotte different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Fairbanks and Charlotte.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlotte. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 Charlotte or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Charlotte is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

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 Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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 Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is great for hiking. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlotte or Fairbanks?

If you're looking to go shopping, Charlotte and Fairbanks both offer plenty of nice spots.

Charlotte has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

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 Charlotte or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Charlotte or Fairbanks.

Charlotte offers lots of family activities. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Charlotte and Fairbanks are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

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 Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlotte is not a good destination 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.

Charlotte is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a backpacker destination, there are some cheaper motels that budget travelers can stay at.

Is Charlotte or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

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

Charlotte has some public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel 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 Charlotte or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable city. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Charlotte?

How long in Charlotte or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Charlotte or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Charlotte, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Charlotte 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 Fairbanks.

One day in Charlotte or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Charlotte. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charlotte has to offer. 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 Charlotte or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the up-and-coming destination of Charlotte. 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 Charlotte or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing city of Charlotte. 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 outdoorsy 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 Charlotte or Fairbanks?

Charlotte 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Fairbanks?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Charlotte is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Charlotte gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlotte or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Charlotte is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Charlotte in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlotte or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte 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. In January, Charlotte is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 42°F (6°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlotte or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Charlotte during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charlotte 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. Charlotte is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Charlotte