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

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

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Dallas 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.

Dallas and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas. Although Dallas and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Dallas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dallas is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dallas or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

Dallas is not a skiing destination.

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

Dallas 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.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Dallas is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Fairbanks?

Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dallas or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Dallas 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 Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Dallas is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.

Is Dallas or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

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

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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 Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Dallas or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Dallas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dallas than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Dallas or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the chic destination of Dallas. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Dallas. 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.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Fairbanks?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Fairbanks. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dallas or Fairbanks?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city activities 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 the summer, Dallas is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dallas in July average around 88°F (31°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Fairbanks. The autumn months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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. In October, Dallas is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 69°F (21°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dallas or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Fairbanks. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, 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. Dallas is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 46°F (8°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dallas for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Dallas is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dallas in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Dallas