A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cody, Wyoming vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming and Fairbanks can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cody, Wyoming is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cody, Wyoming is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. Also, Cody, Wyoming is famous for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. 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 Cody, Wyoming different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

Cody, Wyoming is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Cody, Wyoming is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming has an old town worth visiting. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in 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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

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

Cody, Wyoming is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Cody, Wyoming is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cody, Wyoming. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Cody, Wyoming and Fairbanks are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Cody, Wyoming is a nice destination for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

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

Neither Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through 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 Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable town. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

Fairbanks is not a walkable town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Cody, Wyoming?

How long in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

One day in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Even though Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cody, Wyoming has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Cody, Wyoming is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 destination of Fairbanks. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Cody, Wyoming 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the beautiful city of Fairbanks. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cody, Wyoming or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Cody, Wyoming 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.