Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or Fairfield?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Fairfield or Fairbanks?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fairfield and Fairbanks can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fairfield or Fairbanks?
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
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Fairfield Prices
USA PricesFairbanks Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairfield $153Fairbanks $318
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $153, while the average daily cost in Fairbanks is $318. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fairfield and Fairbanks in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairfield $97Fairbanks $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairfield $194Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and Fairbanks
Looking for a hotel in Fairfield or Fairbanks? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fairfield Hotel Prices and Fairbanks Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairfield -Fairbanks $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:
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Full Tank of Gas$90
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or Fairbanks?
Prices for flights to both Fairbanks and Fairfield change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayFairfield $53Fairbanks $109
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing$63
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Totem Inn Breakfast for Two$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Aurora Viewing and Dinner : $120
- Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights: $210
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $239
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $270
- Northern Lights Adventure with Photos & HOT PIZZA: $300
- Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights: $320
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fairfield $13Fairbanks $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:
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The Riverboat Discovery Trip$55
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1 Day Mountain Bike Rental$27
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Canoe Rental with Pickup$56
Tours and Activities in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Shared Tour Arctic Circle and Aurora Viewing in Alaska: $150
- 1 Hour Fall Sled Dog Experience in Two Rivers: $130
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure in Boreal Forest: $159
- 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $145
- 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $114
- Alaska: Private Northern Lights Viewing Tour: $495
- Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $165
- Arctic Circle Adventure: Journey on the Dalton Highway: $275
- Arctic Circle Day Tour Adventure: $299
- Arctic Circle Full-Day Adventure from Fairbanks: $285
- Aurora Chaser Tour: $161
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairfield -Fairbanks $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairfield and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairfield Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairfield or Fairbanks?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield or Fairbanks in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and Fairbanks. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Fairfield is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 73°F (23°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In July, Fairfield usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairfield 73°F (23°C)Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Fairbanks in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as Fairbanks. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. Fairfield is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).
Fairfield usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairfield 62°F (17°C)Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Fairbanks in the Winter?
Both Fairbanks and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the winter, Fairfield is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairfield in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).
In January, Fairfield usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairfield 46°F (8°C)Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Fairbanks in the Spring?
Both Fairbanks and Fairfield during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In April, Fairfield is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 56°F (13°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).
Fairfield usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairfield 56°F (13°C)Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)
Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Fairfield
| Fairfield | Fairbanks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Feb | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | -5°F (-21°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.