Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or Kansas City?
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 Kansas City or Fairbanks?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kansas City 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.
Where Should I go: Kansas City or Fairbanks?
Kansas City
A large, mid western city that sits on the border between Missouri and Kansa, Kansas City has a population of about 450,000. It's not exactly a tourist destination, but it is a surprisingly beautiful city with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world with the exception of Rome. Most of the city's suburbs are concentrated in the south but the city is beginning to grow to the north as well. The climate in Kansas City can vary dramatically, in large part because it is so far from any form of water. Winters can range from mild to extremely cold and snow is not uncommon. Spring and fall and quite comfortable but summer months can be incredibly hot and humid.
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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Kansas City Prices
USA PricesFairbanks Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKansas City $196Fairbanks $318
The average daily cost (per person) in Kansas City is $196, 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 Kansas City and Fairbanks in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKansas City $88Fairbanks $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKansas City $176Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Kansas City and Fairbanks
Looking for a hotel in Kansas City 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: Kansas City Hotel Prices and Fairbanks Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kansas City $44Fairbanks $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 Kansas City or Fairbanks?
Prices for flights to both Fairbanks and Kansas City 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 dayKansas City $82Fairbanks $109
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
- Electric Moose Studios Aurora Adventure W/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.Kansas City $11Fairbanks $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-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $170
- 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
- 2-Hour Guided Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks: $295
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $145
- 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $114
- 45 Minute Private Reindeer Tour: $90
- Alaska: Private Northern Lights Viewing Tour: $495
- Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $165
- Arctic Circle Adventure: Journey on the Dalton Highway: $275
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKansas City $12Fairbanks $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kansas City and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Kansas City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kansas City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kansas City 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 Kansas City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kansas City Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kansas City or Fairbanks?
Kansas City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City or Fairbanks in the Summer?
Both Fairbanks and Kansas City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
Kansas City is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In July, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Kansas City gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKansas City 82°F (28°C)Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Fairbanks in the Autumn?
Both Fairbanks and Kansas City during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 the autumn, Kansas City is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kansas City in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).
Kansas City usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Kansas City gets 2.4 inches (62 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 OctoberKansas City 60°F (15°C)Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Fairbanks in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kansas City and Fairbanks. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. In January, Kansas City is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Kansas City average around 30°F (-1°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).
In January, Kansas City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Kansas City gets 0.9 inches (23 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 JanuaryKansas City 30°F (-1°C)Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)
Should I visit Kansas City or Fairbanks in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kansas City as well as Fairbanks. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.
Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Kansas City is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Kansas City averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).
Kansas City usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Kansas City gets 2.8 inches (71 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 AprilKansas City 58°F (15°C)Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)
Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Kansas City
| Kansas City | Fairbanks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Dec | 34°F (1°C) | 1.2 inches (30 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.