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

Should you visit Memphis or Fairbanks?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Fairbanks, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Memphis

Memphis is a laid-back, soulful, and creative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums. See Memphis travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Memphis and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis. Although Memphis and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Memphis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Memphis is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Memphis is famous for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also well known for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Memphis different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Memphis is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. 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.

Memphis is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Fairbanks and Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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 Memphis or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Memphis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Memphis has a large number of nightlife venues. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Memphis is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Memphis has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Memphis and Fairbanks are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

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.

Is Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Memphis and Fairbanks are both nice to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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 Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Memphis is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Memphis or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Memphis or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Memphis 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 Memphis or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Memphis. 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.

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the soulful destination of Memphis. 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.

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the soulful city of Memphis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Fairbanks?

Memphis 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Fairbanks?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Memphis is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 83°F (29°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Memphis or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the autumn, Memphis is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Memphis in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Memphis usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Memphis or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. The weather in Memphis can be very cold. In January, Memphis is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 40°F (5°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Memphis or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Memphis during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Memphis is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Memphis