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

Should you visit Columbia or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Columbia and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Columbia 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 Columbia is known for its nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Columbia 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. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Columbia and Fairbanks.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. 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 Columbia or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Columbia and Fairbanks.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbia. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Fairbanks may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Columbia 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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Fairbanks?

Both Columbia and Fairbanks are good shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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 Columbia or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. 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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbia or Fairbanks.

Columbia is a family-friendly place to visit. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. 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 Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Columbia 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Columbia or Fairbanks are walkable places.

Columbia is not a walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

Fairbanks is not a very 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 Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the suburban destination of Columbia. 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.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbia. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Fairbanks?

Columbia 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 great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Fairbanks?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In the summer, Columbia is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Fairbanks. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia 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, Columbia is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Columbia 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. Columbia is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Columbia