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

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

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and museums. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Colorado Springs and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

Both Fairbanks and Colorado Springs have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Colorado Springs is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Fairbanks is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Colorado Springs different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Both Colorado Springs and Fairbanks are destinations which offer respectable snow skiing.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

Both Colorado Springs and Fairbanks have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Colorado Springs or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Colorado Springs is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

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 Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

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 Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

The beauty of Colorado Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Is Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Both Colorado Springs and Fairbanks are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

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 Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Colorado Springs or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Neither Colorado Springs or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Public transit is quite limited 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 Colorado Springs or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable mountain town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

One day in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and museums around the mountain town of Colorado Springs. 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the Arctic destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. 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 mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the Arctic city of Fairbanks. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the healthy mountain town of Colorado Springs. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

Colorado Springs 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.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Colorado Springs and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs.

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

Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Fairbanks?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Colorado Springs as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Colorado Springs is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 71°F (22°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Colorado Springs usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Colorado Springs gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Colorado Springs are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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. Colorado Springs is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. Colorado Springs gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Colorado Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, and the cuisine are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year. Furthermore, 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. It's quite cold in Colorado Springs in the winter. In the winter, Colorado Springs is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colorado Springs in January average around 26°F (-3°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in January than Fairbanks. Colorado Springs gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Colorado Springs and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Colorado Springs is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 45°F (7°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Colorado Springs usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Colorado Springs gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Colorado Springs