A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Fairbanks for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Las Vegas and Fairbanks. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Las Vegas travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Las Vegas and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Las Vegas is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Las Vegas different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

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 Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Fairbanks is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Fairbanks is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Las Vegas or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many 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 Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Las Vegas or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Fairbanks is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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 Las Vegas or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout 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 Las Vegas or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Las Vegas is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Las Vegas or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Las Vegas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.

One day in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 shopping and museums around the city of Fairbanks. 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.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and shopping around the Arctic destination of Fairbanks. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this entertainment capital has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic city of Fairbanks. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Las Vegas and Fairbanks, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Fairbanks?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas 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.