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

Should you visit Cleveland or Fairbanks?

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

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

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Cleveland travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Cleveland and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cleveland or Fairbanks?

Both Fairbanks and Cleveland have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cleveland is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and music, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Cleveland different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a skiing destination.

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

Cleveland 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.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll 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 Cleveland or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cleveland and Fairbanks can be difficult as they are each respectable in their own way.

Cleveland offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fairbanks. 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 Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Music?

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

It's worth checking out the music scene in Cleveland while you're in town. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Cleveland is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cleveland or Fairbanks?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cleveland and Fairbanks.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Fairbanks offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Cleveland or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Cleveland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Cleveland and Fairbanks are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Cleveland is a family-friendly city. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

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 Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Cleveland or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

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

Cleveland is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

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 Cleveland or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Cleveland is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Cleveland?

How long in Cleveland or Fairbanks?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Fairbanks than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland or Fairbanks?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the under-rated city of Cleveland. 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 remote 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 Cleveland or Fairbanks?

Cleveland 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cleveland or Fairbanks?

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

Both Fairbanks and Cleveland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cleveland in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cleveland is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 75°F (24°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. In July, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cleveland gets 4 inches (101 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cleveland or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Cleveland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, 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. Cleveland is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cleveland averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Cleveland gets 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cleveland or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cleveland and Fairbanks. The winter months attract visitors to Cleveland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Cleveland can be very cold. In the winter, Cleveland is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cleveland in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Cleveland usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cleveland gets 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cleveland or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cleveland as well as Fairbanks. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In April, Cleveland is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cleveland average around 51°F (10°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Cleveland usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Cleveland gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Cleveland