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

Should you visit Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati or Fairbanks? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Northern Lights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Cincinnati and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Fairbanks has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also home to The Northern Lights. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cincinnati or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a skiing destination.


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

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

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

Cincinnati is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Cincinnati or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cincinnati or Fairbanks.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Fairbanks offers lots of family activities. 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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.


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

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

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

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Fairbanks

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

Cincinnati is a very walkable destination. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Fairbanks? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Fairbanks 2-4

One day in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cincinnati. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cincinnati has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the remote city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Cincinnati. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the hard-working city of Cincinnati. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

Cincinnati 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or Cincinnati?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
    Fairbanks Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cincinnati $223
    Fairbanks $318

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, while the average daily cost in Fairbanks is $318. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cincinnati and Fairbanks in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Fairbanks $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Fairbanks

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati or Fairbanks? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cincinnati


Hotels in Fairbanks


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Fairbanks Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Fairbanks $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:


  • Full Tank of Gas
    $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

Prices for flights to both Fairbanks and Cincinnati change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cincinnati $95
    Fairbanks $109

Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing
    $63
  • Totem Inn Breakfast for Two
    $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Aurora Viewing and Dinner : $120
  • Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights: $210
  • "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $239
  • Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $270
  • Northern Lights Adventure with Photos & HOT PIZZA: $300
  • Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights: $320

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cincinnati $26
    Fairbanks $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • The Riverboat Discovery Trip
    $55
  • 1 Day Mountain Bike Rental
    $27
  • Canoe Rental with Pickup
    $56

Tours and Activities in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Axe Throwing Experience with Ninja Stars: $45
  • Siberian Husky Kennel Tour: $49
  • 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
  • Extreme Cold Clothing Pkg - (Parka Snowpant Bibs Boots) No Tour: $65
  • Walking with Reindeer Experience: $85
  • Sledding and Homesteading Adventure: $95
  • Husky Hiking Tour: $99
  • Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience: $105
  • Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole: $105
  • Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure from North Pole: $113
  • 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $114
  • First or Last Call Aurora Tour: $115

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Fairbanks $27


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Fairbanks?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cincinnati as well as Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Cincinnati because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In the summer, Cincinnati is a little warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cincinnati in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Cincinnati gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cincinnati 79°F (26°C) 
    Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Cincinnati are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cincinnati this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In October, Cincinnati is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cincinnati average around 58°F (15°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Cincinnati usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cincinnati 58°F (15°C) 
    Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Cincinnati during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cincinnati for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Cincinnati averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Cincinnati usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Cincinnati gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cincinnati 31°F (-0°C) 
    Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)

Should I visit Cincinnati or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cincinnati and Fairbanks. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Cincinnati is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cincinnati in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cincinnati 56°F (14°C) 
    Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Cincinnati

Cincinnati Fairbanks
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) -9°F (-23°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) -2°F (-19°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Mar 46°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 32°F (0°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 50°F (10°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 4°F (-15°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) -5°F (-21°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)